Swallows are more adaptable as to where the will set up home and cane make their own nest. Swifts need more specific conditions and need the right crevice. It's frustrating that it's so easy to set up new builds with opportunities for birds - cheap and straight forward. Like solar panels, it's so backwards to not include these aspects. Swifts should not be red listed. 🤬
A few years ago they built this new water tower not far from where I live. I went to the open day where they displayed all the projects that had bid for the call of tender. There was one that was covered in swift and swallows nests but it didn't win. I asked why and the guy said that this was probably cheaper. Well ... I wish I had taken a photo of it. It was really interesting and as sleek to look at as this one.
Swallows are more adaptable as to where the will set up home and cane make their own nest. Swifts need more specific conditions and need the right crevice. It's frustrating that it's so easy to set up new builds with opportunities for birds - cheap and straight forward. Like solar panels, it's so backwards to not include these aspects. Swifts should not be red listed. 🤬
Yes. All the old houses have gone. Understandably people repair roofs etc. Also we must consider what is happening in those places where these birds go to in winter. It can't be just us in Europe. Or can it?
Yes. All the old houses have gone. Understandably people repair roofs etc. Also we must consider what is happening in those places where these birds go to in winter. It can't be just us in Europe. Or can it?
I don't think Swifts are dependent on human activity outside of the breeding season being totally airborne so "what is happening in those places" is really beyond anyone's control. When they are back in Africa they follow the rains to take advantage of the clouds of airborne insects.
Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
Insect numbers have totally crashed - because of human activity - spraying, draining wetlands, intensive agriculture etc. So, yes, we do have a big effects on swifts and other birds. Swifts are routinely shot, along with other migrating birds. So, yes, it's a big problem.
Swallows are more adaptable as to where the will set up home and cane make their own nest. Swifts need more specific conditions and need the right crevice. It's frustrating that it's so easy to set up new builds with opportunities for birds - cheap and straight forward. Like solar panels, it's so backwards to not include these aspects. Swifts should not be red listed. 🤬
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I know fire, it's devastating. The thing that's even worse is the simple steps to make new nests. All they need to do is put a cheap swift brick in when they build things! Not rocket science. Also stop killing all the insects.
We used to have lots of swifts here but I haven't seen one for two or three years now. I suspect the local agricultural monoculture of turf growing may be responsible.
We used to have lots of swifts here but I haven't seen one for two or three years now. I suspect the local agricultural monoculture of turf growing may be responsible.
Posts
A few years ago they built this new water tower not far from where I live. I went to the open day where they displayed all the projects that had bid for the call of tender. There was one that was covered in swift and swallows nests but it didn't win. I asked why and the guy said that this was probably cheaper. Well ...
I wish I had taken a photo of it. It was really interesting and as sleek to look at as this one.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
I don't think Swifts are dependent on human activity outside of the breeding season being totally airborne so "what is happening in those places" is really beyond anyone's control. When they are back in Africa they follow the rains to take advantage of the clouds of airborne insects.
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
Where abouts are you @parrotfeather* ? That's v sad.