Marbled Whites and other returnees

Amongst the disappointing no-shows last year was the Marbled White butterfly I am delighted that they are back this year in their usual July time slot. Definitely the most impressive Monmouthshire meadow butterfly. The two other big no-shows last year were House Sparrows and Swallows. House Sparrows have returned in the form of one pair who are raising their second brood in one of the House Martin nest boxes I installed which is a step forward although not the three or four nests in our roof space that were occupied two years ago. Swallows have not returned to nest although there was one pair checking out the garage for a couple of days. I have seen swallows flying over the fields from time to time however so I am still hopeful they may return next year to breed.