Re: [SLN] Digest for swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com

Edward Mayer

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Apr 23, 2026, 6:04:55 PM (4 days ago) Apr 23

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Our Swifts are back ! We spotted 4 over our garden tonight 23 April about 19.15 hours. What a delight! All the best Edward

On 22 April 2026 07:58:22 BST, swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com wrote:

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Breeding Bird Survey 2025 report - 1 Update

Digest for swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com - 4 updates in 3 topics - 1 Update

urgent call for network rail to unblock nests - 1 Update

Breeding Bird Survey 2025 report

Mike Priaulx <michael...@yahoo.com>: Apr 22 07:57AM +0100

Hi all,

The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) 2025 report by BTO/ JNCC/ RSPB has recently been published.

Link to report page: https://www.bto.org/our-work/science/publications/reports/bbs-reports/2025

Download link: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/bto-jncc-rspb-breeding-bird-survey-report-2025.pdf

Swifts decreased by 7% in the UK compared to 2024 according to the survey (page 19)(by -16% in Wales, and -7 & -9 in England & Scotland).

Although 2025 was I think considered a good year due to the June/ July weather, this was almost entirely missed by the early BBS survey dates which are April to June, as it's mostly aimed at and works well for singing birds with territories that are generally here by the start of May.

Breeding success shows up in the BBS survey a couple of years later.

The unsuitability of BBS methodology for swifts is clearly shown by the Isle of Man which states: "Swift was observed for the first time on a BBS visit since 2020"!!

Which obviously does not reflect the significant population there.

However, the same methodology each year means that, although there are sometimes major yearly fluctuations due to May/ June weather, the long-term decline is likely to be real.

Swifts are the species with the largest decline in Wales over both 29 years and 10 years (excerpt of the table on page 17 of the report, and full table on page 24). However, Wales is intriguing due to recent wild recorded fluctuations.

Swifts increased by 12% UK-wide in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the 2024 BBS survey (page 19). (Increase of 36% in Wales! And 14% & 6% in England & Scotland.)

Link to 2024 report page: https://www.bto.org/our-work/science/publications/reports/bbs-reports/2024

Download link: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/BBS-Report-2024.pdf >>

So from 2023 to 2025 the BBS has recorded a small increase of a few % in the UK (and large increase of 20% in Wales).

Data over such a short time period could easily be weather related, but if you do want some positive data to hope that what we're doing is making a difference, then here it is!

All the best,
Mike

Member of SLN Swifts & Planning Group

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: BirdGuides <ne...@mail.birdguides.com>
Date: Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 5:01 PM

Subject: Weekly News from BirdGuides 13/04/2026

To: <islingt...@gmail.com>

Newsletter

13 April 2026

Bonaparte's Gull no longer a British rarity

Following an upturn in records, the BBRC has made the decision to downgrade the rarity status of the North American larid in Britain as of the start of 2026.

Breeding Bird Survey 2025: record coverage but alarming declines

The latest Breeding Bird Survey results show mixed fortunes for the UK's birds, with Collared Dove among the most notable losers.

⁣

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Digest for swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com - 4 updates in 3 topics

Reg Hesketh <reghe...@gmail.com>: Apr 21 09:34AM +0100

Here in Burton in Kendal we installed swift boxes in the church tower last
year. After the swifts had left we found nesting material and so hope that
this year swifts will use them.
A previous attempt had been prevented by the architect. Since then
the church policy has changed at national level and a new architect has not
objected.
A chance meeting with the vicar was the start of the process. We were
fortunate that a member of our group climbed the ladders each week to wind
the clock. He undertook the installation, including a solar powered caller
system, with the approval of the churchwarden, the vicar and the diocese.
The costs were covered by our area organisation, Swifts in the Community.
I have attached details of the installation.
Reg Hesketh

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urgent call for network rail to unblock nests

Cally Smith <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Apr 21 09:21AM +0100

Great stuff Mike and everyone pushing for this.
Cally
Cally Smith
*Founder of NES Swifts* (formerly Huntly Swift Group)

T: 07411 808 573
E: huntlysw...@gmail.com
Facebook/huntlyswiftgroup | Instagram/huntlyswiftgroup

*Why not sign up for our free emailed quarterly 'Saving the Aviators'
newsletter. Get in touch!*

*Please note: I do not keep 9-5 hours Mon-Fri, I work around the clock most
days! I don't expect you to read, respond or action my email outside your
normal working day. Thank you!*

On Mon, 20 Apr 2026 at 21:36, 'Mike Priaulx' via swiftslocalnetwork <

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Frances Leach

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Apr 24, 2026, 1:00:15 AM (4 days ago) Apr 24

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One swift over Hartland yesterday!

Frannie

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From: 'Edward Mayer' via swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 11:04:49 PM
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [SLN] Digest for swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com - 3 updates in 3 topics

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Louise at Bolton and Bury Swifts

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Apr 24, 2026, 1:34:24 AM (4 days ago) Apr 24

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Great news, Edward. 👏 One arrived home to our box last night too at 1915. Hopefully the RSPB's livestream of this box will begin today, I will post a link when it does. I quickly opened all other entrances but Mart & Martha II are usually 2 weeks ahead of the other pairs.

Louise

Best Wishes,

Louise

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