IT may be freezing outside but summer is on its way to Devon with the first swallows being spotted.
Angler Bob Mortimore reported two of the darting birds, widely regarded as the harbingers of summer, were seen flitting over the River Exe at Tiverton.
Mr Mortimore, who is an avid bird watcher, said: "I was told they were there sso I went along to check it out. Sure enough. they were there most of the day flitting over the water in search of food.
"I saw a single swallow on March 28 2006 but these are really early birds.
"Also,on the same day, March 24, I saw four chiffchaff s feeding hungrily in the hedges by Blundells School in Tiverton. They were all early migrants brought down to feed due to the rain and cold weather.They have survived an epic six week journey from the warmer climes of South Africa."
Angler Bob Mortimore reported two of the darting birds, widely regarded as the harbingers of summer, were seen flitting over the River Exe at Tiverton.
Mr Mortimore, who is an avid bird watcher, said: "I was told they were there sso I went along to check it out. Sure enough. they were there most of the day flitting over the water in search of food.
"I saw a single swallow on March 28 2006 but these are really early birds.
"Also,on the same day, March 24, I saw four chiffchaff s feeding hungrily in the hedges by Blundells School in Tiverton. They were all early migrants brought down to feed due to the rain and cold weather.They have survived an epic six week journey from the warmer climes of South Africa."
