Wednesday 23rd March (Sun, Shorts, Shirtsleeves and Swallows)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the sun in the sky above the house roof opposite. A few birds were singing and Mr. Kite was pleased with the view and today was His Lady's birthday.

After a few hours celebrated with coffee and toast Mr. Kite cycled off in the sunshine towards Venus Pool. Now that the Sand Martins are arriving Mr. Kite is eagerly seeking the first Swallow of the year. Now Mr. Kite knows a place where the first Swallows appear to go. So Mr. Kite cycled along the country lanes in his shorts, wearing sandals without socks and in shirtsleeves. It was a warm spring day. In the village where the first Swallows arrive Mr. Kite rode along slowly hoping to see one; but he did not.

Fifteen minutes later Mr. Kite was looking out over Venus Pool watching the usual birds. Today the Black-headed Gulls were more black headed than normal and the Oystercatchers were preparing a place on the pebble island to nest. Mr. Kite scanned the air for a glimpse of a Swallow but none appeared. After two hours bird-watching in the sunshine Mr. Kite returned home through the village where he hoped to see a Swallow. Mr. Kite did not see a Swallow but he did see a house called 'The Swallows'; a house probably named because that is where Swallows return to every year.

Mr. Kite and His Lady had a good evening with friends eating and drinking. Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Marstons Old Empire IPA. Cheers from cheerful Mr. Kite who is making of the most of the spring sunshine.