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Due to the adverse weather of the last month, the swallows that were placed in farmhouses of Urdaibai and where already with eggs, are having lots of difficulties to survive and to get the egg-laying ahead which many of them have coincided with this adverse conditions. The predominating low temperatures and the continued rains, are causing a considerable decrease in the food availability for these small birds. We are talking about small flying insects that are caught by the birds while flying in order to feed themselves as well as the nestlings that are waiting for food in their nests.
Swallows waiting for the rain to stop
DDuring this second week of May we have confirmed that in several farmhouses where we are monitoring the breeding population of Urdaibai, many of the swallows have left their nests and in some cases adult swallows have appeared dead in the nest or on the floor of the farmhouse, with evident signs of starvation. The specimen found weighed 14 g when usually an adult swallow in breeding season weights 18g (33% less than usual).
Adult swallow dead in a farmhouse of Urdaibai (2013-05-19)
In the same way, these days we are observing a considerable increase in birds such as swallows, common house martins or common swifts which are flying above the lagoon of Orueta in the marsh of Gautegiz Arteaga, possibly because despite the bad weather conditions, food is still available in wet areas.
 
Common house martin and swallow looking for food in the lagoon of Orueta (2013-05-21). |
