Our Swifts were late returning this year, probably because of the weather systems over Europe, so it was extra-good to see them when they arrived! The sound of their excited screaming as they whizz around buildings on a warm evening is definitely one of the quintessential sounds of summer for me. And they really do make me happy.
We are working on two Swift conservation projects just now. In Blairgowrie, and in the Angus coastal towns of Montrose, Arbroath, Carnoustie and Monifieth. The aim of the projects is all about raising awareness of swifts, mapping their screaming parties and nest sites and then using this information to provide them with new homes (ie nest boxes) in good locations. Swift numbers have dropped by 68% in Scotland in the last 25 years, largely due to the destruction of their nest sites, so they desperately need our help.
Putting up Swift nestboxes is an important part of the project
We are running a few Swift survey training sessions in June and July to help people ID Swifts, Swallows and Martins, see where they like to nest and show what a screaming party actually is. We will also have a session on how to record the birds using the Swiftmapper, which is a really easy website or app to use. If you are technology-phobic, don’t worry. If I can use it, anyone can!
For the Blairgowrie session, meet outside the library on Leslie St at 8.30pm on June 19th. The What3Words ref is https://map.what3words.com/shows.clever.depth
For the Monifieth session, meet outside The Culdee, Church St at 8.30pm on July 17th. The What3Words ref is https://map.what3words.com/webcams.they.shortcuts
For the Montrose session, meet in the Lower Hall St car park at 8.30pm on July 18th. The What3Words ref is https://map.what3word.com/voters.irrigated.loitering
There’s no need to book and it’s free. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring waterproofs and binoculars if you have them. If you can download the Swiftmapper app to your phone beforehand it might be useful too. We look forward to seeing you there to help these most amazing of birds. Did you know that once a young Swift leaves the nest, they don’t stop flying until they start to breed which can be 3 or even 4 years? Mind boggling! And that they fly far enough in their lifetimes to go to the moon and back 4 times! Words can’t express the wonder I feel for them.
Swift feeding by Craig Cantwell Photography
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