The 1999 survey of breeding Swifts in a sample of towns and villages in
East and West Sussex
by Graham C.M. Roberts, Sussex Ornithological Society
Introduction
Swifts are notoriously difficult to survey. Hence it is not surprising that few counties have attempted to survey their breeding Swift population. Thus, unlike most of our common breeding birds there is very little survey data available, at both the national and local level, to assess population trends. There is, however, real concern that Swifts may be in serious decline in Britain due to modern building methods and better maintenamce excluding them from their usual nesting places in roofs.
Thus, during the summer of 1999 I organised a sample survey of breeding Swifts on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS). The intention was to undertake a small scale repeat of the 1968-70 County-wide survey organised by the late Stuart Hughes (Hughes, SWM (1971) Surveying a Breeding Population of Swifts. Sussex Bird Report 1970). The methodology of the 1968-70 survey was followed, though a number of problems were encountered in interpreting the precise methodology used previously.
Methodology
The basic aims of this survey were twofold:
a) Census the Swift population of a sample of towns and villages across Sussex.
This involved counting low flying Swifts on fine evenings in June, particularly around sunset, and preferably in the first half of June. The intention was to count low flying Swifts (i.e. A little over rooftop and below) in the vicinity of nest sites. Surveyors were requested not to include high flying Swifts in the count since they might be migrants or feeding parties from further afield. Low Flying Swifts Record Forms were sent to all participants.
b) Record information on nest sites/colonies
Any information on nest sites/colonies (collected during the evening counts or on other occasions) was also requested. Information specifically requested included location, description of building, number of breeding pairs, location of nest holes, aspect and height above ground. Nest Site/Colony
Record Forms were sent to all participants.
Results and Discussion
21 observers took part in this survey, covering a sample of 24 towns and villages across East and West Sussex.
Counts of low flying Swifts
A summary of the results of the 1999 survey, together with corresponding data from the 1968-70 survey, is presented in Table 1. The findings appear very mixed. More towns/villages showed a decline in their Swift population than an increase. A few, such as Henfield, Lewes, Littlehampton and Steyning, experienced quite marked declines. However, the results suggest apparent increases in the Swift population of Chichester and Worthing.
I am, however, concerned about over-interpretation of the data. A survey of this nature has a number of limitations. I found surveying a small and discrete isolated village such as South Harting relatively straightforward and probably gave a reasonably reliable count. However, by contrast covering Chichester and Worthing was not at all easy and raises concerns over the accuracy of the data for the larger towns.
In Chichester, for example, at least three main nesting colonies were found. On warm June evenings low flying Swifts tended to be concentrated around these areas. However, at times large numbers circled high overhead before dropping low again. It was not always apparent whether such birds belonged to the single local colony or whether they constituted a rendezvous of all the city’s Swifts.
A few comments from participants of the 1999 survey are worth reporting:
Val Bentley of Henfield commented: "Very poor year in Henfield. In previous years there have been parties of Swifts screaming down the High Street. None noted in 1999. The worst year for Swifts since moving to Henfield in 1999."
Richard Kemp, Littlehampton: "The number of Swifts in Whitlea Road are well down, with birds previously present at every house, but people moving in in recent years have had their houses re-roofed etc. I would generally say that Swift numbers are down on previous years."
John Newnham, Worthing: "The count (for Worthing) would seem to be the same or better than the earlier survey (of 1968-70) yet it is certainly my impression that there are fewer birds about now than 10 years ago."
David Shepherd, Bognor Regis: "The number of Swifts counted this year in Bognor Regis was the largest I can recall. All seems to be well."
Records of nest sites
Unfortunately, although Nest Site/Colony Record Forms were given to some 40 observers, only five were able to supply information on nest sites. However, some useful records were obtained. Churches and old properties, often in the town centres, are clearly important nest sites.
Any further information on nest sites would be most welcome. If we can identify important buildings supporting large colonies we may be able to approach the owners and offer advice on their conservation significance.
Further fieldwork
The Sussex Ornithological Society will be continuing its Swift breeding survey in June 2000 in order to increase its coverage of towns/villages thus enabling greater comparison with the previous survey of 1968-70. Please do contact me if you feel able to help, preferably suggesting the town/village(s) you are prepared to cover.
Acknowledgements
The SOS would like to thank all who participated in this survey. I am also most grateful to members of the national Concern for Swifts partnership, notably Chris Mead, Brian Martin and Jake Allsop, for all their help and encouragement.
P.S. The Sussex Ornithological Society is preparing a Swift Species Action Plan for Sussex. The Society is already actively involved in Swift conservation, including a nestbox project started in 1998 and advising on building works and Swifts.
Graham Roberts, 3 Carmarthen Avenue, Drayton, Portsmouth PO6 2AG Home Tel. (023) 92374790
Work Tel. (01243) 756852
18th February 2000
Table 1. Counts of low flying Swifts from a sample of towns/villages in 1970 and 1999
| Town/Village | 1970 | 1999 (max June Count) | % change |
| Barcombe | 24 | 12 | -50% |
| Bognor Regis | nc | 72 | |
| Byworth | nc | 18 | |
| Chichester | 74 | 120 | +62% |
| Compton | nc | 0 | |
| Easebourne | nc | 15 | |
| East Harting | 0 | 0 | |
| East Lavant | 20 | 16 | -20% |
| Felpham | 18 | 6 | -67% |
| Henfield | 26 | 4 | -85% |
| Lewes | 140 | 75 | -47% |
| Littlehampton | 135 | 43 | -68% |
| Midhurst/Easebourne | 45 | 60 | +33% |
| Petworth | 60 | 60 | 0% |
| Pulborough | 17 | 8 | -53% |
| Ringmer | 6 | 0 | -100% |
| South Harting | 14 | 14 | 0% |
| Steyning | 35 | 16 | -54% |
| Storrington | 40 | 24 | -40% |
| Thakeham | 6 | 0 | -100% |
| West Chiltington | 23 | 10 (24 on 2.7.99) | -57% (+4%) |
| Winchelsea | 16 | 15 | -6% |
| Worthing | 206 | 325 | +58% |
Towns/villages covered in 1999 and names of observers
| Observer | |
| Barcombe | Robin Pepper & David Lang |
| Bognor Regis | Rex Knight & David Shepherd |
| Byworth | Alan Perry |
| Chichester | Jeremy Patterson & Graham Roberts |
| Compton | Graham Roberts |
| Easebourne | Alan Perry |
| East Harting | Graham Roberts |
| East Lavant | Graham Roberts |
| Felpham | David Shepherd & Graham Roberts |
| Henfield | Val Bentley |
| Lewes | Mike Helps |
| Littlehampton | Richard Kemp |
| Midhurst | Alan Perry & Murray Marr |
| Midhurst/Easebourne | Alan Perry |
| Petworth | Alan Perry |
| Pulborough | John Hobson |
| Ringmer | Bob Edgar |
| South Harting | Graham Roberts |
| Steyning | Julie Gregory |
| Storrington | Leonard Manns & John Hobson |
| Thakeham | John Hobson |
| West Chiltington | John Hobson |
| Winchelsea | John & Robbie Gooders |
| Worthing | John Newnham, Brian Clay, Richard Ives & Russ Tofts |