For a second year Swifts experienced cold and wet weather as they migrated north out of Africa into Europe across the Mediterranean, and many birds died from cold and starvation. Eventually our birds arrived back to their nesting sites and by June and July breeding was being documented in Birdtrack, with six figure grid references. […]
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.
Swifts – The birds you can help!
A message from Edward Mayer: Dear Swift Friends, Please do come and meet me and listen to my talk about Swifts and how you can help them! It’s at the amazing Booth Museum in Brighton this Friday 21 June at 2pm. Book your seat by clicking here and see you there! Best wishes, Edward www.swift-conservation.org
Swifts In Trouble This Year
The following article was written in one of our national newspapers dated 13th June 2019 Conservationists are growing increasingly concerned about the late arrival of Swifts to the UK this year. Many returning after spending the winter in Africa are arriving around two weeks late, according to the RSPB which is campaigning to save the […]
Swift Calls
A message from Edward Mayer: “Dear Swift Friends & Colleagues, My Swifts came back yesterday, so it is time to switch on your Swift calls! All the best for a great Swift Season, Yours, Edward” Click here for swift calls instructions
Lewes Swift Group – Request
Swifts are about to arrive and there are a good number of identified Swift breeding areas in Lewes. Sadly the past group of supporters fell by the wayside. I would like to see new local enthusiasts come together to carry forward conservation of this important work. Please let us know at swifts@sos.org.uk if you can […]
Swifts – The Sound of Summer
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 […]
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 […]
