Swifts and House Martins

[Ros Taylor - Kendal Swifts]

We have a bit of a mystery from our swift watching last night (Monday 8th).

We watched a swift circling around the side of a building where we have seen swifts and house martins nesting in natural sites for some years. Finally the swift tried hard to enter a site which we have only ever seen occupied in 2018. However, the swift did not get in (acting much like a banger), and eventually, I am sure that a House Martin went in to that spot. No sign of usual mud nest cup.

Has anyone seen this happening? Is it likely to be a banger, or an adult which has occupied the nest site before.

Many thanks

Ros Taylor

Kendal Swifts

[Mike Priaulx]

Ros, yes I've heard of something similar.

House martins at a Peak District site nest in gaps in a stone wall of a building, I've seen photos on social media (can't exactly remember where...).

Externally there is no mud, but could be similar to when Schwegler 1A bricks on Duchy of Cornwall sites are used, I believe house martins do take mud in.

Therefore, here they could be using this hole in the building and have partly blocked up the entrance with mud. Swifts are larger so wouldn't be able to get in (likely a banger, based on the long time since it was last used).

Might be completely wrong, but it's one possible explanation?

All the best,

Mike

Islington and Hackney Swifts Groups

+++

Ros Taylor - Kendal Swifts <rosalin...@gmail.com>: Jun 09 02:21AM -0700

[Louise at Bolton and Bury Swifts]

Hi Ros,

I think it was a banger that you observed 😁

Best Wishes,

Louise

 

      

 

Bolton & Bury Swifts

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From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ros Taylor - Kendal Swifts <rosalin...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 10:21:18 AM
To: swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SLN] Swifts and House Martins

 

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[Paul Stevens]

Regarding the house martin entering the same spot, I have seen this in many instances last year where the martins were using similar nest sites to swifts. This swift was likely seeing the martins entering and checked it out as well. They will often check nest cups as well.

Paul

[Rosalind Taylor]

Thank you, I think you are right.

Ros

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[Ros Taylor]

That’s very interesting, abd we shall be looking out for it. There seem to be more house martins about this year – here in Kendal – so hopefully there will be more opportunities.

Regards

Ros Taylor

Kendal Swifts

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