The end of the summer?

Our little valley is on a swallow and house martin migration route – from the local landmarks of Flounders Folly on the south western end of Wenlock Edge to Stokesay Castle and then on to the Malvern Hills I suspect.  At this time of year we get hundreds of these birds swirling over the garden and the wheat field next door (still not cut) picking up insects before they continue south. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from the fact that they can get food here – an area where no pesticides are used and the garden has many native plants that support a wide range of insects.  The network of native hedges all around us much also be an important factor.  Wonderful to see them wheeling around the house, but sad to see them go.