On our house we have a lot of House Martin nests. Recently I have had some Swifts inspecting the site, and would like to encourage them to nest, but I don't know if putting up a box next to the House Martins would cause trouble for them. I don't want to put them off nesting. Anyone have any thoughts on this? thanks.
There's not a lot you can do, nesting birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it wil lbe down to the birds who nests where. If a nesting site is suitable, then it will be a first come first served basis, though there are times when nests are challenged and in some cases, birds will evict the occupier so they can have it themselves.
Nature can be harsh at times, but in the end, left to its own devices, it wil lsort itself out.
For more information on the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 click on the link below.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler