Still waiting for our Swifts to return to Sunderland (22 years running), has anyone got theirs back yet further south :)
They're still on the move so there's hope for you yet. There were upwards of a thousand over a local lake a couple of days ago , down to a handful today. Even seasoned observers were amazed at the numbers passing through.
My gallery here
Checkout the forums' Community HOMEPAGE for lots of interesting posts from other members.
I can confirm that they are still arriving. I was out walking on the South Wales coast today and saw a party of about 20 swifts coming in off the sea! So don't despair Davey - they will arrive soon.
There seem to be loads about in my locality - far more than last year.
And I've found another three nest sites in my patch tonight - so exciting!
To top off a really good day, I've just seen a pipistrelle bat fly over my garden - I see one every year, but how it survived the winter is quite beyond me. I think it (they?) must roost locally, but I don't think I'll be able to find out where without a bat detector.
Watching the Swifts over Harrogate yesterday helped pass the day away while in the oncology unit always entertaining birds to watch.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Sounds like they were in the right place at the right time, Seaman - most unusual! Hope your day went well?
Seen a post saying they have them in Harrogate, so getting closer, my poor birds have all that distance extra to fly.
Just noticed, i started this brilliant thread last year early May, then my birds returned May 27th (looked back on the thread). Its great so many people are thrilled by their Swifts and kept this thread going to another year. My birds have 9 days to be on time, will keep you posted. :)
Thanks for starting it, Davey! I reckon your swifts will be back earlier than last year. I think the weather this year is better than it was same time last year? It certainly is in south Wales. And I don't think your swifts will mind the extra distance! I wonder if the ones I saw yesterday on the coast were 'yours'? I know we'll never know, but it's a nice thought.
Lots of calling and high speed chasing amongst the Stevenage swifts this morning. Mating activity perhaps?
Could well be, Paul.
The local ones have been flying about over my house pretty much all day - I've been sitting outside, as it's been warm and sunny. At last!
Did see the first 4 swifts today. They belong to a well established colony just 1km from my house. I did start the swift calls today as well, so now I will have to wait and see if I manage to attrack some swifts to my new nest box.