Nick G wrote:
spotted dozens across the Easter weekend around the countryside of Durham.

Last weekend we sat on the cliff top east of Sidmouth and watched the
swallows arriving after flying across the Channel. There must have been
dozens arriving every second, constantly flying in off the sea (and that was
only where we were sat).

The total numbers must have been incredible and yet there are only a few
swallows around here (saw first swallow 2 weeks ago) at the moment - they
must have all headed up your way!

50 years ago I used to see the horizon darkened with birds. Not the
region above my head but the wood in the distance where they were
roosting. It wasn't a regular occurrence and I don't have a clue what
season or species but I do remember them.

Birds, boy and boughs all gone now. It was heartbreaking going back
years later.