Whatever the weather the birds know it's almost summer

At this time of year it's always particularly wonderful to see our summer migrant birds. Today I got off the bus at Musselburgh to be greeted by several low flying swifts, swirling above the River Esk.

When I got to Musselburgh Lagoons bird hides, an even more wonderful sight awaited. Over 50 house martins (plus some swifts and swallows) were swirling round over the Lagoons, flying low over the water to pick up insects and flouting up in the sky in clouds. The soundtrack was provided by the house martins themselves, plus skylarks, reed buntings and willow warblers. I sat and enjoyed the spectacle for quite a while, sipping on my decaf coffee to keep me warm!

It really is nearly summer then! It would be easy to forget that, given the low grey clouds, the wind and the low temperatures.

As well as the house martins though, the day is bright with flowers, including

tall melilot

red clover

red bartsia

bitter vetch (?)

and this small yellow vetch, which I can never identify - is it hop trefoil? lesser yellow trefoil? black medick? If anyone knows, please let me know.

For 30 Days Wild

As ever, red text contains hyperlinks which take you to other webpages where you can find out more.