It was interesting to note the comments on second nestings as it concurs with the pattern I have also noted. I was expecting a bumper crop of fledged birds this year from my Hs Martin boxes; despite the arrival of birds a couple of weeks late. I witnessed an increase from three to five active nests however, last year two of the pairs got off to a flying start the third pair being a July starters. They produced between them one three, one two and a single brood from the late starter. This year I have had four early pairs and once again one July starter with three of the early pairs only producing one brood one pair has started a second and assuming this brood together with the late starter is successful that will be six broods in total the same as last year despite two additional nests. The birds are still about but have shown no interest in any further activity. Incidentally, I also note that Swift activity this year has been abysmal compared to last year despite a few birds (soon to depart) now showing with their offspring.
Tony Clark
Bow Street