First fledged today at 09.59 at 40 days old

🙏 fly strong, and have a long, happy swifty life 😍

Even sleep and mate on the wing. I found one when I was a child that had been brought down by crows about to predate it. I got it airborne again. Their legs are so short they are helpless on the ground.

It's a myth they can't take off from the ground

to be on the wing now for at least two to three years What an adventure brave birds

Bless them - let's pray they keep safe

Too crowded in here - I'm gone - bye 👋 always bittersweet.

Brilliant Mark.

Did it fledge following a parent ? Is it frequent in your record Mark ?

Yes but although it did that it wouldn't chase the parent. They don't do that. Adults leave at speed zigzaging to avoid predators. The first thing fledglings do is learn how to fly and climb high

Hello Mark, do you have any recommendations for where we should best to purchase the nest boxes as I am putting them up for next year as I will have no problem in at least getting some martins to nest (and did you just put all your boxes up yourself). Thanks

Making your own is best