They have just arrived, and people can enjoy them right away. agile and acrobatic flights mark their behavior as March ends and the season shifts. the arrival is a clear signal that winter is fading and spring is here. recent years have seen changes in their landings due to shifts in climate and habitat, and this year the landscape they face looks especially challenging.
The wetlands are drying, making it harder for two species in particular, swallows and terns, to find mud for their nests. Without mud, building a nest and raising young becomes more demanding. Some birds relocate to shorelines or take advantage of water bodies where conditions allow for nesting.
Another obstacle arises when people place nests or debris on the ground. This is prohibited by law, yet some individuals still disturb abandoned nests in winter. This creates a problem because collecting mud is already difficult for these birds. The pressure is especially hard on species adapted to urban areas, many of which breed in buildings and structures within cities.
Emily’s Friends
It is important for people to understand these small birds. Weighing around 20 grams, they travel from Africa to spend the winter and return each spring, covering roughly 5,000 kilometers. In the example of Emilia and Joan at their home in Cadaqués, these birds arrive on the porch every spring. Their arrival is eagerly anticipated and welcomed as a sign of renewal. They are considered part of the family by the locals who watch over them.
Emilia and Joan place newsprint on the ground to manage fecal matter, turning the space into a temporary gathering area for the birds. While the mess can be a bit of an eyesore, the birds are undeniably charming and entertaining. Emilia warns those who consider destroying a home that mistreating a nest can bring misfortune for several years, encouraging people to think twice before taking action.
Ornithologist Enric Pamies follows the birds with professional dedication but shares the same enthusiasm. He notes that the arrival of these birds often coincides with the broader migration of other raptors. To him, the sight of swallows and swifts signals the changing of seasons and the joy of spring, when many species reappear after lengthy journeys. A week ago, a family reported observing four of these species in the area.
Three Fly Screens
Many people confuse three different bird species: swallows, which create mud burrows at low altitudes; the swifts, which nest on building eaves; and the slips, which breed in hollow cracks though less so thanks to habitat restoration. All three species contribute significantly to controlling pests around homes by feeding on mosquitoes and aphids. While populations fluctuate, there is concern that overall numbers have declined by about 40 percent in recent years, according to experts. Human activity and prolonged drought have worsened the situation, with wetlands being degraded and less habitat available for nesting and foraging.
Blas Molina, a specialist with the Aves y Cima program, emphasizes mindful travel and habitat respect during migrations. He notes that many stopping points across southern Africa and coastal regions are affected by fires and vegetation clearing. The reduced insect abundance globally compounds these pressures on insect-eating birds.
These challenges are intensified by strong winds in the strait region, which are increasing as a result of climate change. The winds act like a door that opens migration routes toward Europe. Although this year saw similar patterns to previous years, experts agree that the future remains uncertain and less hopeful for the persistence of swallows and swifts and their migratory journeys.