Barn Swallows visit the Ambers again on their migration north

During the past few weeks many people have commented on the Barn
Swallows which have been observed in large numbers over the Ambers. They were seen flying overhead twittering constantly, perched on rooftops or on overhead power lines; sometimes in their hundreds. I thought it may be a good idea to provide some information about this
interesting species of swallow.

From Africa, with love

Thirty five years ago my wife, Jenny, and I decided to leave the crazy, hectic world of advertising in Johannesburg. We bought a small derelict farm in Nottingham Road, where we were lucky enough to both do the things we love. Jenny set about creating a lovely home for us, grew veggies and bred chickens, turkeys and sheep. I proceeded to pursue my all absorbing hobby of sculpting. We both had fun and worked hard, our two children watching with shock, amusement and horror in equal measures.

Swallow chicks saved by clever thinking

One of the main joys of living in the greater Ambers is the constant presence of bird populations and the daily pleasure they give us in their arriving, calling or nesting. It took some 12 years before a pair of Greater Striped Swallows decided that our patio provided sufficient
protection for them to move in and build their large mud nest in the corner above the patio door.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . . .

Photographers living in the Amber estates often are captivated by interesting subjects. Sydney Baillon of Amber Valley speculated about the reaction of the homeowners when they discovered the damage to their garden done by a family of warthogs. Paul Bartho of Amber Ridge confronted a “monster” in the grass.  Priscilla Young’s daughter, Clare Young, took the picture of a leguaan testing the water at the island in Heron Dam.