Several have appeared above me over the last three or four days. Got treated to some low-flying aerobatics by three of them (two males and a female?) on Saturday.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
The swifts are still around but in the last day or so have been joined by twenty maybe thirty swallows difficult to count as they fly so quick seem to be hunting in small flocks from two directions and driving the insects into one place before pouncing, it's fascinating to watch.
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
Out of interest, does anyone notice that swifts prefer to nest on the highest ground? Do they like hill tops? I imagined that it had more to do with the availability of insects and good nesting sites, but given they are naturally cliff dwellers, I now wonder if houses on high ground have a better chance of encouraging swifts to nest.
My neighbours put in about about 12 nest boxes last year (down the hill from DS). Our houses meet the given requirements - we have clear space in front, unbroken by trees etc. But I'm not they are cliff-ish enough.
The recomms I've seen say that siting the box over 5 mtrs from ground level is fine. It's not that much. It needs a clear flight path. Boxes are now designed for roofs without eaves. Mine is only a cottage also, so fingers crossed. (four boxes).
I'm down the hill if you ever fancy a cup of tea. 🍮
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"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
I'd love to install some boxes , but I'm not sure our little two storey cottage in Muswell Hill is high enough then!
thanks for the tips Fire.
you'll have to come and advise me on where to site a box now!