We have extended our existing sand martin nesting house at Gailes Marsh reserve in Irvine from 48 to 100 nesting holes. Access is available to monitor all the nest boxes for ringing purposes.

This year, the birds were first spotted back at the reserve on 20 March after migrating from Africa. The sand martins quickly filled the top row of the four-story structure first, as well as favoured boxes with old nest material still in them. By 18 May a clutch of young birds from the new extension block had already fledged!

Last year, a ringed bird from the reserve was found in France during August. It is thought that this bird was making its way back to its wintering grounds in the Sahara and was from an early brood. It is hoped that by ringing more birds this year we can learn more about sand martin’s.

Read more here about this summer migrant that likes to live near wetlands and make long tunnels in sand banks to nest in.