A little castle Swallow

I saw this fine swallow whilst at Pendennis Castle in Cornwall. Just taking a little rest on a signpost long enough for me to photograph him.

A summer visitor to the UK and will return to wintering grounds in southern Africa come the autumn.

He is royal blue on the top with a russet forehead and throat. The long tail feathers are called streamers and they use them for flight manoeuvrability.

The swallow captures insects in flight and you can see them swooping and diving. They are quite accustomed to us humans and frequently will nest in barns and outbuildings. A church I visited yesterday gave strict instruction to close the door else the swallows will nest in there :)

“Little islands are all large prisons; one cannot look at the sea without wishing for the wings of a swallow.” 
― Richard Francis Burton

The swallow is the national bird of Estonia.

When the swallows fly high, the weather will be dry so the weather folklore goes.

It is used in heraldry, known as the martlet, shown with no feet. Often depicts the 4th son who would have no land to inherit.

Arms of East Sussex County Council

{Gules six Martlets three two one Or a Barrulet wavy enhanced Argent in chief a Saxon Crown Or}

Legend says that the swallow got its forked tail when a fireball was thrown at it by an angry god for stealing fire.

My little swallow then flew off, up and away over the battlements of the castle keep as the sea mist swirled in. Fly safe feathered fellow.