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I've noticed them building in number in feeding flocks over the back of my house near Bedford - they seem to be moving in general southerly movements. If i remember rightly it was 11th August last year my last sighting. Sad to see them go - they are my indicator of high summer...
Hi, seen two since my last post within the last week.
One lone Swift moving South with a number of House Martins and another prospecting for nest sites in our road in B17 (again didn't realise they did this so late in the year).
Haven't really had our local birds since the end of July. I believe this departure is early as local Swifts are usually here until mid-August. They maybe departed due to the poor weather here in July. We usually see migrating Swifts into September, so hopefully will see a few stragglers yet.
Our Swifts have arrived mid-May for the last two years, so they are only really here for 10 weeks of the year (who can blame them!)
Has anyone had success with Swift nest boxes? I've had one on a North facing wall for about three years, but without any occupants. It seems to me that Swifts recognise old roofs and once your roof is replaced they don't even fly by to take a look.
W.
Since my original posts the birds seem to have realised I'm watching! They were around for a few more nights but I've not seen them at all for a week now.
However, we do have more swallows arrived which seem to have taken the place of the swifts. Earlier there were more swifts than swallows, now there appears to be only swallows but much more of them.
As we move through the universe may we leave as light a touch as a butterfly wing on the fabric of the environment.
Still a few hanging about in Shropshire although they are quite silent now...
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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I am a new member of the community, and it is nice to meet you all.
We have lived in our cottage now for fifty years, and this is the first time Swifts have ever nested here. The birds have now flown, - they left on Monday 17th inst.
I completed and emailed the RSPB National Swift Inventory form earlier this summer, reporting the arrival of the Swifts for the first time, and sent it to swifts@rspb.org.uk , however I have never received a response, and assume this normal practice with surveys. Does anyone know if the survey findings will be published, and has anyone else had Swifts nesting at their home for the first time this year ?. I understood the number of Swift visitors to the UK was falling, and I was most encouraged to see them here (outside Chester) this year.
Regards
Pinecone.
I have not seen swifts at all this year and it has been sadder for it have they dissappeared in many areas in wales?
the swifts in surrey where i am always arrive on first week in may and leave in the first week of august
it never fails been monitoring for years they fly over and around my house and this year was no exception so their all gone to south africia
the friedly bid watcher
Thought they'd gone a few days ago but today there's a lone swift shooting like a bomber up and down my road (near Skipton, North Yorks). I'm sure he'll be gone soon. Haste ye back!
We have a large number of Swifts here, I estimate at least 50+ . I've been keeping records for around ten years, usually they disappear quite suddenly on or around the 19th Aug. Tonight I was quite suprised to observe a handful still here. Which makes me wonder if this handful are on their way south from further North, or are stragglers. I did wonder if some do indeed get left behind in the general migration ?
Yesterday, whilst out walking along the river Tees at Low Coniscliffe, many many swallows were feeding over the stubbles and also over the River.
Cheers
Ian
If we destroy the planet, we destroy ourselves
Well, I thought they'd all gone, but I saw one swift yesterday, dodging the rain and I saw another today heading south over the heath at The Lodge. Looks like there are a few stragglers out there!
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.
Two Swifts this morning on the A713 at turn off to Loch Doon
(also two barn owls tonight on way back,)
All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy. Spike Milligan