Re: [SLN] Digest for swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com - 12 updates in 5 topics
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johnswil...@blueyonder.co.uk
Mar 3, 2026, 11:29:46 AM (4 days ago) Mar 3
to swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Nesting in trees
On 30 September 2010 Desmond Dugan, Manager, RSPB Abernethy National Nature Reserve, took me deep into the Abernethy forest to see one of the five or six areas on the edge of the forest where Swifts use nest cavities made by great spotted woodpeckers in dead trees. Andy Amphlett, Reserves Ecologist, at Abernethy, added at the time that there was evidence of this use in 2009, but no recent population estimates.
The BBC Springwatch 2019 item confirms continued nesting by Swifts in trees in the Caledonian pine forest at Abernethy.
On comments about secrecy or that the RSPB “keep the location under wraps,” that may be because of a desire to protect capercaillie and other grouse species. Before I went I made contact to arrange my visit. I recommend doing that if you want to visit. Make sure you take waterproof strong boots – my guided visit was not on paths.
Monitoring by the RSPB may be limited. It is not easy to reach the areas concerned, nor I expect visiting at the best time of day and long enough to see Swifts.
John Wilson
On 01/03/2026 06:58 GMT swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com wrote:
- Off topic: sand martin - 3 Updates
- Save Our Suffolk Swifts - 2025 nest box uptake - 3 Updates
- Conservation leaflet - 1 Update
- Swiftbox positioning - 3 Updates
- Tree nesting swifts - 2 Updates
helensshelfordhistory <helensshel...@gmail.com>: Feb 28 01:37AM -0800
The Seaton Wetlands sand martin bank featured on Countryfile here - quite a
useful piece and you will see the gentleman who was its main impetus
interviewed
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002f27q
Helen, CamSwift
On Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 2:32:40 PM UTCPaul Stevens <paulnat...@googlemail.com>: Feb 28 07:06PM
Hio Andy, I have found this FB group very useful for design and specs.
Paul
(7) Svalene Våre | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/groups/svaler>
Andy Bullen <andy.b...@gmail.com>: Feb 28 11:26PM
Thank you Paul
Andy
On Sat, 28 Feb 2026 at 19:06, 'Paul Stevens' via swiftslocalnetwork <
Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org>: Feb 28 05:29PM
Good afternoon all
SOSSwifts have collated the 2025 nest box data for Suffolk.
In 2025 136 Suffolk locations reported Swifts using nest boxes, this is up from 85 locations with nest box usage in 2024. The vast majority of these locations have multiple nest boxes.
In 2025 there were 504 boxes reported used from the 136 locations, up from 379 boxes used around the county in 2024.
Below are two graphics showing the uptake over time.
We are now targeting the 136 locations with additional donated nest boxes. We are also donating boxes for locations at or adjacent to reported natural nest sites.
Very best wishes
Eddie
SuffolkBirdGroup.org
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<http://communications@suffolkbirdgroup.org>Graham Knight <gpk...@gmail.com>: Feb 28 07:46PM
Hi Eddie
This is fantastic news and you have demonstrated the importance of a
particularly difficult issue - monitoring boxes once they are installed.
Numbers like this are a real goal for us in Hertfordshire and I am sure
elsewhere
This really shows the value of putting up large numbers of boxes in the
right places, and it must be having a really positive impact on the Suffolk
population. Can I ask if any of these are Swift bricks?
Many congratulations and as you frequently say - Swift Conservation Works!
Best wishes
Graham Knight
On Sat, 28 Feb 2026 at 17:30, Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org>
wrote:
Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org>: Feb 28 08:39PM
Hi Graham
Some of the uptick is from the increased use of your call/response survey method, some folk here have had great success using it.
I’ve not received a single record of any bird species using a nest brick here in Suffolk. I have seen House Sparrows use nest bricks in both Norfolk and Essex though so only time here I think. We do leaflet new build properties with nest bricks as they are noted but we’ve never had any responses from any residents at all so far.
It will be interesting to see how our Swift nest numbers build over the next two years leading up to the BTO bird atlas surveys starting in November 2027 which end in autumn 2031, whether their methodologies pick up on an overall increase in our Swift population since 2011.
Very best wishes
Eddie Bathgate
@SoSSwifts
SuffolkBirdGroup.org/sos-swifts
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Helen Lucy <hmll...@gmail.com>: Feb 28 04:58PM
Dear all,
Over the last couple of years I’ve had the conversation with many of you about taking the risk of telling people they have Swifts nesting. The fear is that some residents may then take action to block the Swifts’ return.
My idea, is inspired by Karl Green’s idea to create a Swift Conservation Area on the West Estate in Warrington working with Cheshire Wildlife Trust. By telling people they live in an area where Swifts nest, you are alerting everyone to the needs and perils of their local Swifts, without actually pinpointing the exact house they nest in. This way, awareness is raised and sympathetic people will take note.
Unfortunately, when I tried to do the same for my local swift hotspot estate, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust weren’t interested. So after thinking a bit more about it, I thought there’s nothing to stop me calling it a Swift Conservation Area anyway! Here’s the A4 folded to A5 flyer that I’ve produced.
It is very specific to my local project, but I have adapted it for Bolton and Bury Swifts, Totley Swifts in Sheffield and Derbyshire Swift Conservation have made their own version too. For example, Totley can’t offer free boxes, but want to advertise the possibility of fitting swift bricks, so those changes were made.
If any of you think this fits your area’s needs, email me directly on HELP....@GMAIL.COM <mailto:HELP.SWIFTS@GMAIL.COM> to tell me how you would like to tailor it and I’ll see what I can do.
Best wishes
Helen Lucy.

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: Feb 28 08:25AM
Hi all
I have two queries that I'd appreciate some advice on:
1. I have a lovely resident who has two natural nest sites in gaps in the
eaves, either side of a bay window.
We will be fitting 2 x twin chamber nest boxes for her under our nest box
scheme.
Could we fit these beneath the existing sites, each side of the bay window,
and if so what would be the recommended gap left from the top of the box to
the natural nest entry site? I have attached a photo, the green lines point
to the natural nest sites .
Any suggestions on the best spots to locate on this frontage are welcome.
My concern is to not create any obstructions to the existing nesters in the
eaves.
2. A south facing position is a no go for a nest box, but is a south east
wall possible? (For another property).
Best regards, thanks in advance,
Annie & BarryB CAHALANE <brianc...@btinternet.com>: Feb 28 08:47AM
I would fit them on the brickwork above the main window if all were in
agreement ,but making sure they have a sloping roof.The other
alternative is at the apex above the brick work.I would keep them well
away from the two down pipes as the curved parts near the top of them
are ideal perching spots for predators.
Brian ,Crumlin, Nr Ireland.
------ Original Message ------
From: banstea...@gmail.com
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 28th 2026, 08:25
Subject: [SLN] Swiftbox positioning
Hi all
I have two queries that I'd appreciate some advice on:
1. I have a lovely resident who has two natural nest sites in gaps in
the eaves, either side of a bay window.
We will be fitting 2 x twin chamber nest boxes for her under our nest
box scheme.
Could we fit these beneath the existing sites, each side of the bay
window, and if so what would be the recommended gap left from the top of
the box to the natural nest entry site? I have attached a photo, the
green lines point to the natural nest sites .
Any suggestions on the best spots to locate on this frontage are
welcome.
My concern is to not create any obstructions to the existing nesters in
the eaves.
2. A south facing position is a no go for a nest box, but is a south
east wall possible? (For another property).
Best regards, thanks in advance,
Annie & Barry
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.B CAHALANE <brianc...@btinternet.com>: Feb 28 08:48AM
South East wall is fine .
------ Original Message ------
From: banstea...@gmail.com
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 28th 2026, 08:25
Subject: [SLN] Swiftbox positioning
Hi all
I have two queries that I'd appreciate some advice on:
1. I have a lovely resident who has two natural nest sites in gaps in
the eaves, either side of a bay window.
We will be fitting 2 x twin chamber nest boxes for her under our nest
box scheme.
Could we fit these beneath the existing sites, each side of the bay
window, and if so what would be the recommended gap left from the top of
the box to the natural nest entry site? I have attached a photo, the
green lines point to the natural nest sites .
Any suggestions on the best spots to locate on this frontage are
welcome.
My concern is to not create any obstructions to the existing nesters in
the eaves.
2. A south facing position is a no go for a nest box, but is a south
east wall possible? (For another property).
Best regards, thanks in advance,
Annie & Barry
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Edward Mayer <edward...@zen.co.uk>: Feb 28 07:49AM
Same with my friends in Denmark, their now substantial swift colony
started in Starling nest boxes.
On 27-Feb-26 7:48 PM, Dick Newell wrote:B CAHALANE <brianc...@btinternet.com>: Feb 28 08:36AM
Agree ,Agree,Agree.
Brian
------ Original Message ------
From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 28th 2026, 07:49
Subject: Re: [SLN] Re: Tree nesting swifts
Same with my friends in Denmark, their now substantial swift colony
started in Starling nest boxes.
On 27-Feb-26 7:48 PM, Dick Newell wrote:
Here in Cambridge, while as far as I know we have no tree-nesting
swifts, we have quite a few examples of Swifts breeding in Starling
boxes which emulate old woodpecker holes. I have 1 such box on my house
which is shared by Starlings early on before the Swifts move in.
I think we may be missing a trick by not putting up more Starling boxes
high enough for Swfts. Making sure of course that the inside wall can be
climbed by the Swifts.
Dick
On Fri, 27 Feb 2026 at 19:02, 'Edward Mayer - Swift Conservation' via
swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
<mailto:swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com> > wrote:
Hi there, The Abernethy Tree nesting Swifts are the only ones I know of
in the UK, and the RSPB sometimes has special tours to see them, but you
have to book I think. Other tree nesting Swifts are to be found in
Swedish Lapland, Eastern Germany, and the biggest numbers are nesting in
old Woodpecker holes in vast old Hornbeam trees in the Bialowiesja
Forest in NE Poland. Some 300 were recorded there a good few years ago.
The area is all controlled access. You would I think have to set up a
special tour to see them with the Park authorities and guides. Best
wishes, Edward
On Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12:32:14 PM UTC phizo...@gmail.com
<mailto:phizogblog@gmail.com> wrote:
I was at RSPB Loch Garten (in Abernethy Forest and where the clip of
Iolo Williams spotting swifts around tree cavities was filmed) and asked
about tree nesting swifts and was told they're there, but they keep the
location under wraps. I'm not sure the access is such that you'd be able
to wander around looking for them. The main point of the facilities that
the RSPB has there is to view ospreys. Might be worth contacting them to
ask whether it's possible to see the swifts. Abernethy appears to be the
only place mentioned for tree nesting swifts if you search online, but I
seem to recall mention of swifts nesting in the cliffs of a quarry in
Northern Ireland if non-housebound swifts are what you're after.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:14:08 PM UTC
paulnat...@googlemail.com wrote:
Anyone know of locations for seeing tree nesting swifts in the UK?
Abernethy forest, Scotland?
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