Swallows’ early arrival may be due to global warming

SWALLOWS are returning to Ireland earlier and earlier each year to nest, possibly because of increasing temperatures.

A Spring Alive study by Birdwatch Ireland has revealed that the more than 500,000 birds that come to our shores each year now arrive two weeks earlier than 20 years ago. Most of the birds, generally from South Africa, arrive near the end of April.

Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland says they think there is a direct link between increasing temperatures and the availability of food.