Our prevailing wind has been rather scarce this year, with a steady string of northerlies bringing cold air from the Arctic. As a result, many of our migrants have been backing up around the Mediterranean, waiting for an incentive to carry on to our shores. Come on wind – sort it out – we want our swallows back! Despite what our esteemed Izaak Walton may have believed, we know they don’t live in hollow trees for the cold six months.