Thank you for the lovely read. Our Swifts arrived a couple of days ago. I was sat in the garden watching the Sparrows when suddenly a black paint stroke drew my eye and there it was. Others followed.
It's such a pleasure to be able to spend time around them isn't it Steve? Yes, also 'the devil birds' - I think because of the screaming and because there's such an air of mystery around them. I remember reading that people didn't think they had legs since they spend so much of their time on the wing!
Looked up and was lucky enough to catch some overhead in our close yesterday! So wonderful – as I said to Melissa, waiting to see if we get any in the nesting box! And 10,000 feet - extraordinary!!!! 😲
Was beside myself with excitement this morning when I saw several flying over our roof! I’m not sure if they’ve dived in yet – waiting to see we had the box fitted last year with no takers, but ever hopeful! 🙏 Quite amazing.
Excellent post! I love swifts too and am currently waiting impatiently for them to return to our street in Edinburgh. The area we live in is a local hotspot for swifts (I know of at least four active nest sites in the streets near us) and we put up two swift nest boxes last time we had roof repairs done.
Ooh I hope they arrive back soon for you! I've heard of several Scottish sightings lately so hopefully won't be long. Great job on getting the swift boxes installed too!
Yay! I haven't seen them yet myself. Keeping eyes peeled in East Sussex
I'm also in East Sussex and also haven't seen them yet. My fingers are crossed!
Hope you spot some soon Caroline!
Thank you for the lovely read. Our Swifts arrived a couple of days ago. I was sat in the garden watching the Sparrows when suddenly a black paint stroke drew my eye and there it was. Others followed.
Your enthusiasm for these incredible creatures is SO contagious! You bring us all so much delight in the natural :)
Thank you Natalie, that means a lot!
Hi Zabby, I thought you might find this article useful for your zine. I credit it with making a bird lover of me when I read it quite a few years ago. It has stayed with me ever since: https://gjgamble.wordpress.com/2017/06/04/the-greatest-bird-on-earth/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIsQstleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVzd1IJPoi-DhRLTpmigPuuP1Z5us0XXkRIqQJrgqdoUuYjEAOD3QctmLA_aem_aqadGhYpkcO1WJC_Xw7bEA. I look forward to seeing your swift zine!
Oh thanks so much Jessica, I will give it a read.
Love this post. My wife and I always look forward to swifts arriving to share our evenings (we live in West Norfolk).
I saw the name Devils Screamers on another post and is so apt, their screeching is one of our sounds of summer.
It's such a pleasure to be able to spend time around them isn't it Steve? Yes, also 'the devil birds' - I think because of the screaming and because there's such an air of mystery around them. I remember reading that people didn't think they had legs since they spend so much of their time on the wing!
They are such badass creatures! At this point it almost surprises me to think that they do need to land for nesting.
I enjoyed reading this, love your enthusiasm :)
Haha yes it seems wrong for them to be anywhere else but the sky doesn't it! Badass indeed.
Looked up and was lucky enough to catch some overhead in our close yesterday! So wonderful – as I said to Melissa, waiting to see if we get any in the nesting box! And 10,000 feet - extraordinary!!!! 😲
Oooh good luck, I hope you get some in your box! Is it newly installed or have you had swifts in there before?
Was beside myself with excitement this morning when I saw several flying over our roof! I’m not sure if they’ve dived in yet – waiting to see we had the box fitted last year with no takers, but ever hopeful! 🙏 Quite amazing.
Well it's there if they need it and that's the most important thing. Enjoy them while they're here Jen!
Yes!!! Thank you so much!
Love the idea of the zine, Zabby!
Thanks Melissa, I'll keep you posted! Hope you enjoyed the swifts in Brighton.
Excellent post! I love swifts too and am currently waiting impatiently for them to return to our street in Edinburgh. The area we live in is a local hotspot for swifts (I know of at least four active nest sites in the streets near us) and we put up two swift nest boxes last time we had roof repairs done.
Ooh I hope they arrive back soon for you! I've heard of several Scottish sightings lately so hopefully won't be long. Great job on getting the swift boxes installed too!