The recent sighting of two swallows in Co Down does not make a summer, and is instead a sign that “something is seriously wrong with the climate”, according to a local naturalist.
The migrating birds should normally be enjoying the warmer climes of Africa at this time of year, yet two – an adult female and a juvenile – have spent the festive period in the coastal village of Killough.
Swallows summer in Ireland but head south in September and October as temperatures drop, before returning north to breed over the summer.
However, the two birds seen swooping near the Rope Walk in Killough are among an increasing number choosing not to leave during the winter months.
Their decision to stay is thought to be linked to milder Irish winters as a result of climate change.
Killough-based naturalist Chris Murphy said that while there have been “around a dozen” previous instances in which swallows had remained in Ireland for the winter, the two in Co Down are thought to be the only two that have overwintered this year and the first ever in Ulster.
While Mr Murphy says sight of the swooping swallows may bring cheer to some, their presence is a “worrying sign”.
“It may be an interesting sight but it indicates something is seriously wrong with the climate,” he told The Irish News.
“Along with other noticeable differences, like the grass growing in mid-winter and spring-flowering plants blooming early, it shows the immediate impact of climate change on nature.”
While the swallows can survive in the recent relatively mild weather, he’s not optimistic for their prospects if temperatures plummet in the weeks ahead.
“They can survive the cold if they get enough food but if they fail to sustain the right amount of body fat then they’ll likely perish,” he said.
“Swallows can’t be fed seeds and nuts like other small birds as they survive on a diet of insects, and in cold weather there are very few insects about.”
Mr Murphy said he hoped the birds were roosting somewhere relatively warm at night.
“It’s important for their survival that they are warm at night, as small birds are much more susceptible to the cold,” he said.
“They spend the summer indoors, in barns and the like, and don’t typically roost in trees. I hope they have somewhere warm but I wouldn’t be optimistic for their survival.”
The naturalist said the swallows unnatural behaviour should “set alarm bells ringing”.
“We should be very concerned by this and other unusual behaviour in nature,” he said.
“Animals have spent tens of thousands of years evolving and carving out a niche that enables them to survive – nature can’t adapt to change as quickly as humans. The scientific evidence is overwhelming: we are in the midst of a climate and nature crisis.”
