Opal and Dart

Opal and Dart, a pair of beautiful swallows, are returning home to Tasmania after spending winter up north in south-east Queensland. Finally back home, Opal and Dart are unhappy to see that a sparrow has made itself at home on the spouting above their nest. Things get worse after they repair their nest. Opal lays an egg, only for the intruding sparrow to knock it to the ground, causing it to crack open.

The unhappy duo must find a new place to nest. They eventually settle on the big, covered tank next to the nearby barn. Opal and Dart successfully hatch four eggs there, caring for their hatchlings until they can fly and feed and drink for themselves. Meanwhile, the lonely sparrow watches the now-abandoned old nest.

As winter approaches again, Opal and Dart and their fledglings join the other swallows for the long trip back to Queensland.

This is a lovely story that highlights the simple beauty of nature in the welcome swallow (Hirundo neoxena). The illustrations are done in a combination of pencil sketches and paint on canvas, with some digital manipulation. Information on the welcome swallow, sparrow, and starling is included in the back, with a map showing Opal and Dart’s migratory journey. The story teaches younger readers about the migratory cycle and predators of the swallows in an engaging and accessible way.

1. Swallow knocks Opal and Dart's first egg from their nest, breaking it on the ground.