Quote

The amazing number of swallows that are at this time flying in London, is a very uncommon appearance – They seem to have been unexpectedly prevented from emigrating, by the severe cold weather we have had for some days past, since the wind has been northerly; they fly in at windows, and are so tamed, or numbed, that boys catch them in the streets as they are flying.

Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Monday 01 October 1781 source