Category: Swifts & Hirundines

The aim of this section of the site is (1) to focus attention on the need to protect, wherever possible, the nesting sites 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 we can continue to highlight the help that can be given to these wonderful birds; and (2) to focus similar attention on hirundines, notably the red-listed House Martin but also Swallows and Sand Martins.

Hirundine Help

Posted on | By Chris Brown
(L to R) Paul Stevens, Tim Parmenter, Alex Waterfield (credit Pat Wilder) Two House Martins at a nest on the College site (credit Alex Waterfield)

SOS is supporting a project at Plumpton College as part of their Nature Friendly Campus initiative. The initiative, led by Alex Waterfield, the College’s Ground and Gardens Manager, aims to increase biodiversity on the site. This includes encouraging plants which are beneficial to insects, helping to support the House Martin colony on the site.

The House Martin colony at Plumpton College is the largest in Sussex. However, Tim Parmenter, a local birder who has been monitoring the population there for many years with Reg Lanaway, noticed a steep decline from the 100 or so nests in the 1980’s to just 32 this year. Although many of the College buildings provide ideal nest sites, having areas of tile and brick, 18 artificial nest boxes have been provided by SOS to encourage greater numbers of the birds. SOS Hirundine Champion, Paul Stevens says: “Because House Martins nest in colonies, there is a better chance of attracting more birds to breed where there are a number of established nests. This makes Plumpton College an ideal site”

SOS has also provided the College with Swift boxes which incorporate a ‘caller’, mimicking the sound of these birds. This is known to result in increased success in the birds using the boxes, with some being occupied in the first year after installation.

SOS is keen to receive applications for funding for community projects which benefit birds in the county. Application forms are available by emailing treasurer@sos.org.uk

 

Grants from SOS helping Swifts and Hirundines

Posted on | By Chris Brown

SOS has supported two projects in West Sussex to provide nest boxes for the birds returning to breed. Our Hirundine Champion, Paul Stevens was invited by Greening Arundel to spearhead a Bring Back Our Birds (B-BOB) campaign, which has been enthusiastically adopted by local residents, with 50 nest boxes and cups being installed in over 30 locations, with more planned for next year.

Along the coast, as part of the Wild About Clymping ‘High Flyers’ project, SOS has provided funding and advice to enable the placing of Swift boxes and House Martin cups around the village, including at the local school. The Head Teacher said : ‘This initiative means a great deal to us and aligns perfectly with our commitment to conservation and wildlife education.’

SOS contributed almost £1500 towards the two projects: we were especially impressed that both involve local communities and promote interest in these welcome summer visitors.

David Stocker, Doug Hart and Paul Stevens

 

House Martins in nest box made by Paul Stevens

SOS Hirundine Champion

Posted on | By Chris Brown

 

A message from Paul Stevens, our new Hirundine Champion.

So many of our hirundines, especially House Martins (red listed), are in decline and support for their conservation, especially in the South East, is a growing concern.

I bring more than 10 years of expertise for the conservation of Swifts, Martins and Swallows and I am currently the voluntary conservation officer for the newly formed charity, House Martin Conservation UK and Ireland. Much of my work with this charity is providing advice to the public and private concerns about saving or renewing populations of these birds.

I have been involved in designing and building Sand Martin nesting banks in Sussex, including the one at Arundel WWT Centre.

By providing this information to SOS members it will help support their conservation further in Sussex. Enquiries can also be directed through to me for further support on bolstering, renewing and establishing new populations of our hirundines.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Paul Stevens
paulnatterjack@googlemail.com

 

Next Page »