Swift Update - 30th May 2020

What a day yesterday was, at around 8pm the skies came alive with a big increase in swifts. I now have a single in box 1, pairs in box 2 & 3 , a very interested pair of bangers yesterday which I expect will find a box in the coming days. 4 more screamers arrived as well. So really positive 

I have also seen an increase in House Martins but with the ground being so dry I placed some mud out mixed with clay and straw making two small puddles. Let’s hope it works 

Swift Update 29th May 2020

Good news , whilst boxes 2 and 3 next build my bangers (3) have been building up courage to go in a box, I saw one last night (28th) May enter the small box 1. I hope they choose one of my other vacant boxes as box 1 is smaller and gets sun most of the day, I placed it to fill a gap but never expected it to be used before other ones. 

The weather has been excellent and really good for swifts , with activity most of the day. Long may it continue. 

Swift update 27th May 2020

Great weather for the past few days and an increase in swift activity.

on 25th May 2020 the second bird returned to box 2, making up the pair. it arrived mid morning to much exitement from its mate. They spent most of the day in and out of the box.

Box 3 are busy nest building. I expect eggs shortly.

3 prospecting birds turned up on Monday, they haven't been in a box yet. but I'm sure they will. they have been coming mid morning and around 2100pm.

I expect more and more swifts every day now with the forecast being so good. I have been playing the call most evenings and some mornings for an hour of so to help attract some.

Swift update 22nd May 2020

So my swift in box 3 was joined by its mate on Thursday 21st May 2020. The first bird entered at 20:20 pm and the second at 21:40 when it was almost dark. Luckily I was in bed with the window open and I could hear all the excitement on screams for 15 mins after it entered. 

In box 2 (the box that bread last year) , I was lucky last night 22nd May 2020 to be watering my tomato plants I have growing on the window ledge when a bird flew in to box 2. It was clearly not put off by be standing literally 1 foot from the box window in the house. 

The weather for swift watching hasn’t been good for the past couple of days , windy, mild though with no rain. But the swift have been busy feeding with thousands at Wintersett low over the lake this afternoon. 

Swift Update 20th May 2020

Yesterday at around 4 pm a swift entered box 3. This nest failed last year. 

As far as I can see there has been no new arrivals today. I have been playing the calls a little as well. And the weather has been brilliant for them , surprising. 

I suspect the mate will turn up anytime and breeding will commence. 

At 8pm the swift entered the box and roosted. 

Swift boxes up

Yesterday I placed my 2 newly build swift boxes at the front of the house , they were easy to fit with one solid screw enough to support them. 

They face south which could be an issue but they are under the eaves in the shade so they might be ok. They are also lower than the back, which might also be an issue but there is no fences in the way which is better. 

I plan to play the swift calls out of the window nest to them so that should help. 

I noticed 6 swifts over the house today , I suspect they are from the neighbouring estate. But I will keep an eye out later today. 

High pressure tomorrow and Thursday should bring some back. I expect mine back on Thursday, fingers crossed.