The call put out by the Department of the Environment to locate a swallow nest has been successful, with a member of the public responding on Sunday and the nest, with two young still to fledge, located in a patio near Main Street.

Barn Swallows were regular nesters in Gibraltar until the late 1960s, but habitat changes and loss of the mud that they need to build their nests meant that they disappeared as a nesting species soon after.

Observers from GONHS had nevertheless this year spotted first one and then two feeding over Commonwealth Park and drinking from the pond, which led to suspicions that there was a nest nearby. The Department then issued a note to the media, which led to the nest being found. It appears that some young have already flown but there is a second brood of two young still being fed by the adults.

This is the first confirmed nesting of Barn Swallows in Gibraltar for over 55 years. It seems that the presence of habitat and fresh water at Commonwealth Park will have attracted them to the area. 

The Department of the Environment is grateful to the resident who notified them and to the neighbours who have allowed access. The identity will for now be kept confidential in order to protect the nest site.