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When do your swifts first arrive by you?

135

Posts

  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236
    I was watching the Swifts last night, there are only 2 or 3 at the moment, but they were putting on a fantastic airial display.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I heard my first swift today. I didn't see it, but what a wonderful sound!
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I’m hoping they reach us soon. Last year we left the french doors open each evening to listen to them and sat out a lot of evenings too. 

    There’s a nest in next door’s eves which, apparently, has been used every year for the last six or seven. ❤️
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    There’s a nest in next door’s eves which, apparently, has been used every year for the last six or seven. ❤️


    Wonderful to watch and a good opportunity for you if you ever wish to put up nestboxes. They like nesting in a colony and will stay faithful to a site over the years.

  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I’d love to put a box or two up. 

    Watching it fly into next door last year was a treat. So quick and accurate. Pretty amazing. 

    I wonder how far north they are so far….I’m guessing you’ll get them in the south first? 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    A mild spring and no storms in April (?) will help their migration.



    The UK has lost half its swifts in the last 30 years. Much of that is loss of breeding sites. It's really helpful to put up a box, esp if you have nests near by. I've had some up for about five years but no joy. Sparrows are squatting in them.


  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    THEY’RE BACK! 

    Lovely sunny morning here; hazy, light blue, clear skies. 

    I’ve spotted about ten so far. I’m guessing they’re the first ones back. 

    So happy. ❤️❤️❤️
  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    They are back here too.  They are nearer the town centre than I am so I see them when I walk into town.  Just a few last week but there will be more.
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718
    No swifts down here, there never are and never have been, also haven't even seen a swallow this year.  :'(
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I’ve not seen a swift in Scotland yet. A possible swallow a few days ago - hard to ID 
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