The Swifts were indeed late in many places this year and a
lot seem to be missing altogether in various parts of the country; the bangers
have certainly been in short supply that is up until today when despite poor
weather conditions this morning there were 15 to 20 around the house certainly
the most I have seen all year. I have read Roger's post and urge him not to give
up especially if he has seen the birds showing interest around the boxes this
month (July) is the most important and active period for the non-breeders that
are searching for potential homes. Some of you may know I have observation
(Swift) boxes on my house and I recall many years ago before the birds had ever
entered my back gable box one terrible night of torrential rain a Swift appeared
in the box soaking and bedraggled it managed to drag itself onto the nest mould
and stayed there for over 24 hours I thought it was a goner but no it recovered
and flew off the following evening. Without the camera I would have known
nothing about it, so anyone with boxes up don’t despair the birds can enter
boxes so quickly even the trained eye will miss it !!
I have five pairs of Swifts this year one is very late still
sitting on eggs, I have also got nine pairs of House Martins doing very well
this year and one pair of Swallows for the first time.
Tony Clark
