I’m going to declare it officially summer. Why? I know the first test has started, but surely it’s too cold? Well, it is still a bit cold (just ask the West Indians wearing several jumpers at Lord’s), but swifts are back! So, in my mind, it must be summer.
Although, judging by the comments of my colleagues in London, they might not have them screaming above Old Father Time just yet. But they’re back here, and it’s great! For me, it always heralds the start of summer when I hear that distinctive high pitched scream. It’s time to dig out the flip flops and head to the beach. Well, almost.
They’re just a dull brown bird though, aren’t they? Well, yes. But they’re much more interesting than that! Swifts deserve a bit of a closer look I think. Which is quite difficult considering they spend the vast majority of their life airborne. Bigger than a swallow, or either of the martins, they’re the perfect shape for an aerial life, although they are a scythe shape, I’ve heard them described as the ‘coat hanger’ bird! Any bird that can spend three years (yes three years!) without landing is a star in my book. Everything is conducted in mid-air, literally everything. It’s great to see them back. Next time you're in town, or in the beer garden, take a look up, they'll probably be there somewhere.
But they’re in trouble. They like to nest under the eaves of roofs and in other crevices, so you can help out! Check out our Homes for Wildlife project for tips on how help swifts and other birds and wildlife. Who knows, you may get them nesting under your eaves soon.
I associate them with hot and lazy summer nights, but they’re more of an African bird than British. They won’t be here for long, it’s often said they’re the last to arrive and first to leave. They’ll be gone by the end of August. So this summer try and take a look at these wonderful birds as they scream above your head and make the most of their swift British summer!
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.
It's hard to be sure what's happened here, but what a shame that a nest site has been lost. To knowingly destroy a nest whilst in use is against the law, but it would not be easy to show whether an offence has actually been committed at your house - or if one has, who committed it. It would have to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Perhaps the best thing to do would be to talk to your landlord, and explain what's happened and what your concerns are. You could explain what the law says, and that swifts have suffered a serious decline so it's important that they don't lose nest sites. They won't damage the house or cause a serious nuisance, as I'm sure you know.
It would be really good if he could put some holes back in at exactly the spot where the previous holes are, if the nest site behind is still there - the birds may well come back then. Another possibility is to put up some nest boxes, but they might take a little longer to accept them. Perhaps also offer that should work need doing in future, if he lets you know, you can tell him whether any birds are nesting and that you could let him know once they've gone.
You might find that it hadn't occurred to him that birds might be affected, and he'd be willing to help.
If anyone is aware that an offence against wild birds is being committed, they can contact the police in the first instance, then let us know what's happening.
Alternatively, you can ring us during office hours, or complete a report form at any time, on this website.
It's wonderful that you care so much that you have gone to the trouble of contacting us. I do hope your swifts will be back next year, and you'll see them carrying food in and out to lots more broods.