Swifts will be arriving in Warminster during the first 2 weeks of May and remain with us until early August. They can usually be seen during early to late evenings and although often few in number sometimes there can be as many as 15-20 scything through the sky and providing a spectacular aerial display. On occasion groups of swifts can be seen and heard screeching across the rooftops of likely nesting areas.
They migrate from Africa to the UK and Europe to breed so that nesting sites are critical to their success and continued existence. Swifts are under threat as the UK breeding population has declined by half in 25 years. Loss of nest sites is partly to blame. These are often located in the roofs of older buildings where there are small holes / gaps within the structure that enable swifts to access a safe nesting site. Unfortunately, renovation of older buildings, particularly replacement of roof coverings, soffits and facia boards to eaves may destroy nesting sites. The identification of nest sites is crucial in raising the awareness of property owners and allow the possibility of installing swift nest boxes on buildings in the same locality. Swifts are creatures of habit and return to the same nesting sites every year and are more likely to use swift boxes in a familiar location. Locating nest sites is not easy as the adult birds visit only briefly throughout the day, but the best time is probably late evenings.
Swift boxes are readily available for purchase from the RSPB and other outlets. These should be located high up on buildings, ideally under eaves or on gables, and at least 4.5 meters (15 feet) above the ground. They need to be protected from direct sunlight, so a north or east-facing wall is best. A clear flight path is also essential, so avoid placing them near trees, windows, or doors.
There are currently calls to incorporate swift bricks into new-build developments and renovations. Only some Councils are making this a requirement at the planning stage of new developments.
The RSPB has a swift mapper app – Swift Conservation: Take Part in Swift Mapper
Anybody keen to read more about swifts might want to seek out a book by Mark Cocker – ‘One Midsummer’s Day’.
with thanks to Nigel Parsons for the text