House martin (Delichon urbicum)
They've flown 4,000–6,000 miles, crossed African plains, avoided meltdown in the Saharan sun, risked tempests in the Mediterranean gathers first, to feed up before heading to known locations, settling in familiar nests or within one-third of a mile of their own birthplace. The French name , the Spanish and our own house martin all confirm this enchanting bird's preference to dwell among us. Nearby mud is all that's required to make its nest, created from 1,000 tiny beakfuls and packed together in a closed, convex cup, which takes 10 days to build. Ready-made cups are found online, should you wish to assist; 4–5 eggs will be laid and two broods raised, before the great journey south beckons.
