Many people across Sussex are enjoying the brilliant “sound of summer” with the screaming parties of Swifts flying around villages and towns. After a very difficult migration in May it looks as if breeding has been good for many birds in Sussex. Now is the time to count how many Swifts can be seen flying […]
Category: Swifts
The aim of this section of the site is 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.
Late arrival of Swifts back to the UK
It would appear that the bad weather conditions in the Mediterranean area are the main cause of Swifts being held up at present – 18th May. Wet and windy conditions are being reported through the Swifts Local Network and causing members from all over the British Isles to be concerned that many of their local […]
RSPB Brighton Swift Survey 2018
Following our successful first city-wide survey last year, which helped identify 76 nest sites for Brighton Swifts, we are now planning our 2018 survey, which aims to build on the data gathered last year and to work to protect and expand existing colonies. We’ll be looking to do deeper work in our ‘hot-spot’ areas as […]
Swifts need your help in 2018
Swifts are now Amber listed as Birds of Conservation Concern and their decline is principally due to changes humans have made to their nesting sites in man-made buildings. Many changes have taken place since I took over the paperwork 10 years ago. SOS member Graham Roberts was very active during the 1980s and 1990s in […]
We have a problem with our Swift Records
Swifts nest in buildings in our towns and villages. They are urban birds and we want to help them by conserving existing nest sites as well as creating new ones. Each year we have scores of Swift records telling us how many, where and when, but this does not give us exact details of which […]
RSPB Summer Issue of Magazine
A wonderful close up photograph of a Swift is on the front cover of the RSPB Summer issue of Nature’s Home. Swift supporters all over the country are coming together to redress the loss of these birds often described as the “sound of summer” as Swifts scream around streets during June and July. Here in […]
Edward Mayer coming to Lewes – 10th May
Edward Mayer, the Swift Expert, is coming to Lewes to enthuse residents to put up Swift boxes to encourage more Swifts to take up residence in future years. His talk will take place in the Lecture Room of the Town Hall in Fisher Street. Doors open at 7pm, talk will start at 7.30pm. Admission: A […]
Swifts Have Arrived
On 28th April – 5th May the Lewes Swift Supporters group will be having an interesting display of leaflets, Swift Bricks and Swift Boxes in the window of the Lewes Tourist Office on the High Street (by the traffic lights). This is to encourage the good people of Lewes to think about Swifts needing more […]
Lewes, Swifts and Michael Blencowe on BBC Countryfile
Congratulations to SOS member Michael Blencowe from Sussex Wildlife Trust for being featured on Countryfile on BBC1 on Sunday 5th March 2017, highlighting the Lewes Swift Supporters group. This group have come together to improve the nesting areas for Swifts in Lewes. Lewes has had a good 10% of the County’s nesting colonies in past […]
