House Martins collecting mud

House Martins migrate back from sub-Saharan Africa every spring and are found at this time of year mending their mud nests under the eaves of buildings. Gregarious birds, they will nest in colonies of four or five nests although sometimes larger groups are seen. A prolific insect eater, the numbers of these lovely summer visitors are declining, despite parents often rearing more than one brood each year. For more information on House Martins see the RSPB website page here

Here we have a group of House Martins collecting mud in preparation for nesting.
unsigned Pen and wash drawing by John Busby  14 x 20 cm   £130