Birds Attempt High-Risk Third Brood as Autumn Approaches
As autumn approaches, some birds like swallows and house martins attempt a high-risk third brood before migrating. This strategy is risky because even a few days of cool, windy weather can drastically reduce flying insects, leading to young birds starving in the nest. The later the brood is laid, the tougher it is for the young birds to survive. In recent years, some young birds have been observed as late as November and early December, possibly originating from northern regions like Scotland or Scandinavia. These birds face slim chances of reaching South Africa due to the challenges of migration.