The aim of this section of the site is to focus attention on the need to protect the nesting sites, wherever possible, of Swifts in Sussex. These birds are declining for several reasons, one being due to their nesting areas being destroyed. In conjunction with Edward Mayer and www.swift-conservation.org. it is hoped that in 2010 we can continue to highlight the help that can be given to these wonderful birds.
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Good News for Swifts in Lewes |
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Sunday, 09 October 2011 |
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The large colony (possibly 9 nests) of Swifts which live in the building which has recently been sold in Market Lane, Lewes is safe, as the new owners of this building will be calling their property The Swifts, and will be encouraging as many birds as possible to take up residence in future years. Professional advice is being given to them to make this happen.
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Swift Nest Chambers in Church Towers |
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Wednesday, 21 September 2011 |
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The Plumpton Wildlife & Habitat Group installed nest chambers into Plumpton's All Saints Church tower in the Spring of 2010. Their website is www.plumptonwildlifegroup.yolasite.com where there is more information and excellent pictures for any group hoping to build similar boxes to encourage Swifts to their local church.
Of course these breeding chambers can only be successful if there are other Swifts flying nearby during the summer months, and a CD of calling birds is played from the church tower. There are several difficulties with fixing up CD units and anyone with problems please contact
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Tuesday, 28 June 2011 |
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The 2011 Swift season is now in full swing. Please let me know if any colonies are in danger of being demolished or disturbed. After such a dry start to the season, I guess the rain has encouraged a nice lot of flies for them to feed on.
Make the most of their wonderful sounds and watching the parties screaming around their nesting colonies late in the evening - they will all be gone again by early August.
The RSPB website has a good range of suggestions for helping to conserve Swift habitats in your local area. If possible please continue to use their reporting form if you have Swifts nesting nearby, and if you have put up an artificial nest box the RSPB now have a special reporting form if the birds are using your box or boxes.
I will always be glad to add new nesting sites to my local Sussex list if you send an email to
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Audrey Wende, June 2011.
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Nesting Swift Records - 2010 |
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Sunday, 23 January 2011 |
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It's that time of year to send in your 2010 nesting swift records. Please send details of date when seen, address of building and how many birds seen entering the building/house either to me at
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or fill in the RSPB's form at www.rspb.org.uk/helpswifts. This is quite an easy inventory and the RSPB are saying they have had a good response in 2010.
Also I have new stock of Swift boxes which are free to members, but I ask for a donation from non members in Sussex if they already have Swifts nesting nearby. Birds will only be attracted to these boxes if other Swifts are nesting close by.
Audrey - Swift Champion
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Friday, 13 August 2010 |
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The Swift season has literally flown past and now these lovely birds are returning south again. More Swift boxes have been given out, and records of new nesting sites have been sent to me. Some people are saying they have seen more birds this year whilst others think numbers are down. These birds are so hard to quantify. Please continue to send me your records (
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) or go to the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/helpswifts and fill in their swift inventory form (help us to help Swifts) with details of where and when you have seen Swifts in Sussex. |
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