Starlings taking over Swift nests

[Mashamshire Swifts]

Is it unique to this corner of the Yorkshire Dales or are other areas seeing a marked increase in the number of swift nest sites - both traditional eaves cavities and external boxes - being taken over by starlings?

We have already rescued a grounded swift that returned from Africa only to find its cavity occupied by starlings, who not  won the battle over possession.

Walking around the town, we can hear and see starlings in swift boxes. It seems that the starling population has significantly increased, and that they have learnt how to squeeze through openings that were previously thought small enough to exclude them.

Interesting to know if this is a widespread problem.

John Darby

Mashamshire Swift Conservation Community Project 

[Tony Croft]

Hi,

We have one of our 5 Schwegler boxes occupied by Starlings nesting... fledged 7!

Seen some interest in our other 6 swift boxes by 2 pairs but so far the cold weather has kept our swifts away somewhere!

Best Regards
Tony

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[amandakillip]

Hi John

We are further up Wensleydale in Askrigg and only have about 3 pairs returned so far of what should be 20 pairs.

So the nest sites have been occupied by sparrows- nothing unusual but this time the sparrows will be further along and will probably lose their current broods when the swifts move in (the sparrows have plenty of nest sites here). I wonder if you are still waiting for swifts too and the starlings have taken advantage of what would normally be occupied nest sites?

There were around two dozen swifts (very rough estimate, could have been a lot more) at Nosterfield gravel ponds yesterday having a great time and I wondered if they could be yours!

Best wishes

Amanda

Askrigg Swifts