"Chimney" Swifts

[Graham Knight]

Hello all

This post is not about the North American species - rather does anyone have experience of Swifts nesting in the brickwork of chimneys?

I was surveying early yesterday morning in Potters Bar. Herts, and found that Swifts were nesting in small gaps on the front of chimneys in one particular road.

A photo is attached of this unusual nest location. It appears to be an extra front extension of the chimney, but I am unsure of the purpose. I have never seen chimneys like this before and it would be interesting to know if there are similar elsewhere.

I recorded two nests in these gaps, and based on the number of Swifts present and interest in some of the other chimneys from birds in the air, there are probably more on the same road

Unfortunately, I fear that these nests may be rather vulnerable. Jackdaws were nesting on top of many of the chimneys close by, and the flat surface just above the gaps would be a perfect place for them to perch.

Best wishes

Graham