For next year's swift season I want to install a few swift boxes on the gable end ( sloping eaves) of my property. It is south facing but is sheltered somewhat by the roof. However I am getting a bit confused on which design of swift box to use (there are so many). Due to the sloping eaves the box won't be able to be tucked under the eaves like a flat eave would so it would either be mounted directly on the wall or as close as possible to the eaves. Does anyone have an idea on the best design for my situation and box that would be most successful in attracting swifts. Many thanks.

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Ask an expert Which swift box designs are most successful?

Which swift box designs are most successful?

Swift1235467 04/08/2021 00:48

For next year's swift season I want to install a few swift boxes on the gable end ( sloping eaves) of my property. It is south facing but is sheltered somewhat by the roof. However I am getting a bit confused on which design of swift box to use (there are so many). Due to the sloping eaves the box won't be able to be tucked under the eaves like a flat eave would so it would either be mounted directly on the wall or as close as possible to the eaves. Does anyone have an idea on the best design for my situation and box that would be most successful in attracting swifts. Many thanks.

0 jgtuk 24/08/2021 09:46

Well this is probably my last post this season as I officially have no more Swifts. I am Swiftless...

I watched three Swifts leave the final nest box on the morning of the17th at 07.22

Strangely, one individual returned each evening at dusk and entered the box, leaving again in the morning, until the 22nd at 07.39 when I saw it leave the box for the last time and I haven't had a sighting since (and all of the local colony have also gone).

Au revoir
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0 jgtuk 26/08/2021 09:46

I have cameras trained on the outside of the boxes. It recorded the one bird entering at dusk and leaving in the morning. I did note another box this season had a non breeding resident for a few weeks, staying overnight and leaving again in the morning so you could be right.
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0 jgtuk 10/05/2022 10:53

OK,

After a couple of sightings of transient Swifts over the town the last few days, mine have arrived today alerting me with a scream as they flew past the nesting boxes...

They did several fly - bys and remain high above the house feeding.

A couple of weeks earlier than last year so very hopeful.

I also added new boxes this year to see if there is a preference to my home made type, so four in total.

Watch this space
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0 jgtuk 10/05/2022 18:19

A great start so far then... 4pm this afternoon, one box is occupied...

A poor picture but I'm so happy...
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0 emma.h 11/05/2022 11:32

shopping.rspb.org.uk/.../rspb-swift-nest-box.html

they have siting advice on here too.

Have you seen this month's blog on the home page - all about swifts.
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