Re: [SLN] Digest for swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com - 4 updates in 1 topic
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Ann Ellis
Apr 1, 2026, 5:55:38 AM (4 days ago) Apr 1
to SLN Email
Hi, re swifts at Abernethy.
The swift trees are in someone's private garden so they don't want people coming around, understandably. The RSPB have been asked not to say where it is.
Ann
On Wed, 1 Apr 2026, 07:58 , <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
- Tree nesting swifts - 4 Updates
Steven Robinson <stevenjg...@gmail.com>: Mar 31 09:41AM +0100
I’ve seen swifts in Białowieża Forest in the area below. So when I visited
Cairngorms for a week towards the end of July 2021, I was keen to see
swifts in the Abernethy Forest.
The staff at the RSPB visitor centre were a bit cagey when I asked, but did
give me the email address of a colleague to contact.
I sent the email giving details that at the time, I’d been involved in
swift conservation for nearly 15 years and would be in Scotland until this
date and didn’t even get a reply!
Steven
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar
28 05:14AM -0700
A bit late to the conversation but yes Abernethy Forest is the only UK site
i know of. I think there are several sites in and around the forest
'perimeter'. We are the only swift group local to the forest and i asked
RSPB about five years ago if our small group could go and take an escorted
look and was refused on the grounds that there were schedule one birds
nesting in the area. Sadly i have not found the RSPB to be supportive of
our work in any case so i have not asked again! One time i visited the
forest and asked about the swifts i got a blank look.
Cally
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:14:08 PM UTC paulnat...@googlemail.com
wrote:
Laurinda Luffman <Laurinda...@rspb.org.uk>: Mar 31 09:17AM
I’m sorry that SLN people have not had positive experiences with local RSPB teams in the past. The difficulty with reserve staff in Scotland, is that they are very small teams and stretched across a huge number of threatened species and large landscapes. Unfortunately, they often don’t have the capacity for bespoke people engagement activities. However, of course, this should have been communicated; I guess it’s hard to disappoint people by saying ‘no’ to requested trips.
In terms of support for Swifts, I hope that SLN people will at least be glad to know that many RSPB SHQ staff worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to support the recent Swift brick legislation success.
Laurinda
From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Steven Robinson
Sent: 31 March 2026 09:41
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [SLN] Re: Tree nesting swifts
I’ve seen swifts in Białowieża Forest in the area below. So when I visited Cairngorms for a week towards the end of July 2021, I was keen to see swifts in the Abernethy Forest.
The staff at the RSPB visitor centre were a bit cagey when I asked, but did give me the email address of a colleague to contact.
I sent the email giving details that at the time, I’d been involved in swift conservation for nearly 15 years and would be in Scotland until this date and didn’t even get a reply!
Steven
[cid:image0...@01DCC0F7.A0B761A0]
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 05:14AM -0700
A bit late to the conversation but yes Abernethy Forest is the only UK site
i know of. I think there are several sites in and around the forest
'perimeter'. We are the only swift group local to the forest and i asked
RSPB about five years ago if our small group could go and take an escorted
look and was refused on the grounds that there were schedule one birds
nesting in the area. Sadly i have not found the RSPB to be supportive of
our work in any case so i have not asked again! One time i visited the
forest and asked about the swifts i got a blank look.
Cally
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:14:08 PM UTC paulnat...@googlemail.com<mailto:paulnat...@googlemail.com>
wrote:
On Sun, 29 Mar 2026 at 07:58, <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com<mailto:swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com>> wrote:
swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com<https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/swiftslocalnetwork/topics>
[Google Groups logo]<https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview>
Google Groups<https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview>
Topic digest
View all topics<https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/swiftslocalnetwork/topics>
· Nest box installation - 11 Updates
· Advice re preventing swifts from injuring themselves - 1 Update
· Article - Swifts Over the North Sea ~ - 1 Update
· Tree nesting swifts - 1 Update
· Swifts - A vets guide on dealing with Swifts. - 1 Update
Nest box installation <http://groups.google.com/group/swiftslocalnetwork/t/97c95f1950de0458?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email>
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 04:48AM -0700
Hi all
Wondering who people are getting to install their nest boxes? I used to
have insurance for one of our guys but it has now risen to over £400 and
that's only to cover 3.5 mtr height. Basically i am stuck!
I guess asking a local friendly man and a ladder or getting funding to
cover a qualified person at their hourly rate are the only options unless i
can find an insurance company to cover what's required.
Grateful for ideas!
Cally
Zoe Crossley <zoecr...@live.co.uk<mailto:zoecrossley@live.co.uk>>: Mar 28 11:52AM
Hi Cally,
I use chap who installs cctc and tv aerials. Fully insured for ladder work and to drill into peoples properties. Hope that helps.
Zoe
Framlingham swifts
On 28 Mar 2026, at 11:48, Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>> wrote:
Hi all
Wondering who people are getting to install their nest boxes? I used to have insurance for one of our guys but it has now risen to over £400 and that's only to cover 3.5 mtr height. Basically i am stuck!
I guess asking a local friendly man and a ladder or getting funding to cover a qualified person at their hourly rate are the only options unless i can find an insurance company to cover what's required.
Grateful for ideas!
Cally
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Machynlleth & District Swift Group <machs...@gmail.com<mailto:machswifts@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 12:14PM
Hi Cally,
Find yourself a nice man like me to put them up! It’s a job not many like
doing. It’s a risky business. I haven’t got insurance. What we all need is
a rich benefactor who will buy us a cherry picker!
An ideal person would be a retired builder or similar. Good luck.
Elfyn
Dick Newell <dick....@gmail.com<mailto:dick.newell@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 12:34PM
We have used a scaffold tower on a number of occasions
e.g here
<https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02D42fenroRvtp3DEdwqWYfEvg3Q5wmokX8kRsTk7KV8NPb8ejHdUYUfG3E2cWjnBWl&id=100064468728739&__cft__[0]=AZbF0Kj37V_4iOd2WtDcbYh0s8RbuuodfOAGPjGv9ljN5YpiJoSW1zCOSDOsH_KnWrGK0U0ehr6B8Aaf4ozdh-Y8M9I4_hNC2L4ScLo2eKb8r_On-Nu47J9tPfeXwc8F9nCqouNdehgsIA3gnN2Px1KvxzfDVoSXpJHWXXyC4qoEqg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R<https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02D42fenroRvtp3DEdwqWYfEvg3Q5wmokX8kRsTk7KV8NPb8ejHdUYUfG3E2cWjnBWl&id=100064468728739&__cft__[0]=AZbF0Kj37V_4iOd2WtDcbYh0s8RbuuodfOAGPjGv9ljN5YpiJoSW1zCOSDOsH_KnWrGK0U0ehr6B8Aaf4ozdh-Y8M9I4_hNC2L4ScLo2eKb8r_On-Nu47J9tPfeXwc8F9nCqouNdehgsIA3gnN2Px1KvxzfDVoSXpJHWXXyC4qoEqg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R>>
and
here
<https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=553873750104911&set=pcb.553874873438132<https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=553873750104911&set=pcb.553874873438132>>
.
More expensive than a ladder, but nowhere near the cost of a cherry picker.
I don't know what insurance costs would be, but they are inherently safer
than a ladder. Could be a sensible option for a group putting up a lot of
nest boxes.
Dick
On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 11:48, Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <
Gill Stacey <gillian....@btinternet.com<mailto:gillian.stacey48@btinternet.com>>: Mar 28 12:45PM
Hi Cally
We use an aerial installer. He’s put up lots of boxes for us now. He’s also got insurance and long ladders. Photo of Peak boxes going up on a local chapel in 2024. Swifts were checking them out in the first year!
Gill
Stroud Swift Group

Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 07:14AM -0700
Excellent idea Zoe thank you!
Cally
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 07:19AM -0700
Thanks Dick yes a better option by far. They can be moved along too i
think.
Cally
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 07:20AM -0700
Thanks Gill i need this chap!! Thats a very high one indeed! I will see
if i can find such a chap :)
Best wishes
Cally
On Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:45:26 PM UTC Gill Stacey wrote:
Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org<mailto:swifts@suffolkbirdgroup.org>>: Mar 28 07:08PM
Hi Cally
Our project here doesn't install nest boxes, no ladder work at all for this very reason.
We provide the free surveys and guidance and can supply the nest boxes too. We then suggest a number of installers they can ask to install for a small fee if they're not fitting themselves.
We have chimney sweeps, a window cleaner, painter decorators, tree surgeon and an aerial chap amongst the DIY handy folk we can recommend, people who work with ladders and have their own insurance.
Very best of luck
Eddie
SuffolkBirdGroup.org
On 28 Mar 2026, at 12:14, Machynlleth & District Swift Group <machs...@gmail.com<mailto:machswifts@gmail.com>> wrote:
Hi Cally,
Find yourself a nice man like me to put them up! It's a job not many like doing. It's a risky business. I haven't got insurance. What we all need is a rich benefactor who will buy us a cherry picker!
An ideal person would be a retired builder or similar. Good luck.
Elfyn
On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 11:52, Zoe Crossley <zoecr...@live.co.uk<mailto:zoecrossley@live.co.uk>> wrote:
Hi Cally,
I use chap who installs cctc and tv aerials. Fully insured for ladder work and to drill into peoples properties. Hope that helps.
Zoe
Framlingham swifts
On 28 Mar 2026, at 11:48, Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>> wrote:
Hi all
Wondering who people are getting to install their nest boxes? I used to have insurance for one of our guys but it has now risen to over £400 and that's only to cover 3.5 mtr height. Basically i am stuck!
I guess asking a local friendly man and a ladder or getting funding to cover a qualified person at their hourly rate are the only options unless i can find an insurance company to cover what's required.
Grateful for ideas!
Cally
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Cally Smith <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 07:51PM
That's a good idea Eddie and a great alternative thank you!
Cally
Cally Smith
*Founder of NES Swifts* (formerly Huntly Swift Group)
T: 07411 808 573
E: huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>
Facebook/huntlyswiftgroup | Instagram/huntlyswiftgroup
*Why not sign up for our free emailed quarterly 'Saving the Aviators'
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On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 19:09, Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org<mailto:swifts@suffolkbirdgroup.org>>
wrote:
Heidi Collishaw <heidico...@googlemail.com<mailto:heidicollishaw@googlemail.com>>: Mar 28 09:08PM
Evening Cally,
Might it be worth asking your local fire station staff if they'd like to
help? Could be a useful publicity event for both parties!
Heidi
On Sat, 28 Mar 2026, 11:48 Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group, <
Back to top
Advice re preventing swifts from injuring themselves <http://groups.google.com/group/swiftslocalnetwork/t/c006d0c86a3e13d3?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email>
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 07:12AM -0700
Firstly i would be asking the builders to encase the scaffolding with an
ecowrap prior to the swifts return to prevent the swifts striking the
scaffold which i assume is 'covering' the original nest sites. The ecowrap
also lessens the likelihood of them recognising the building and trying to
enter what just isnt there anymore. Is there any way temporary external
swift nest boxes can be installed on the other part of the building
obviously without damage as it is listed? I would be talking to those in
charge about reinstating the original nest sites in to the renovation.
This is more than possible and there would be different options and
possibilities depending on the work to be done it just needs the decision
makers to listen.
Cally
On Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7:02:34 PM UTC Graham Cowley wrote:
Back to top
Article - Swifts Over the North Sea ~ <http://groups.google.com/group/swiftslocalnetwork/t/25366f33776a8a9e?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email>
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com<mailto:huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com>>: Mar 28 05:33AM -0700
This looks very interesting Louise! I will take a read. Especially living
so near to Aberdeen and forCally Smith <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 31 11:24AM +0100
Laurinda
Agree with all you say and i think different organisations and groups, big
and small work in completely different ways which don't run parallel to
each other but we all have the same aims and are all low on resources.
Sometimes we can forget what actually goes on behind the scenes. The
Scottish win was incredible and i for one am proud to have contributed a
tiny bit to that win along with Hannah, RSPB and MSP Mark Ruskell and many
others involved plus of course every single person who signed petitions and
supported as they could themselves manage.
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!*
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On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 at 10:18, 'Laurinda Luffman' via swiftslocalnetwork <
Flora Blackwater <blackwa...@gmail.com>: Mar 31 12:47PM +0100
Hi
There are sensitivities beyond conservation and wildlife disturbance around the Abernethy location that are not of the RSPB's making. I expect that is one of many reasons behind responses. Not replying to direct emails is another thing.
Picking up on Laurinda's point, staff should be supported how to communicate delicate issues/ be given a clear message to convey in such cases.
Many of us will be sympathetic to the complex nature and therefore varied responses in large orgs. I appreciate your visible support, Laurinda, your reiteration of the wider work on swift conservation by the RSPB and doing a good job overall representing your organisation.
Best wishes Flora, Sheffield
Sent from my iPhone
On 31 Mar 2026, at 10:18, 'Laurinda Luffman' via swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
I'm sorry that SLN people have not had positive experiences with local RSPB teams in the past. The difficulty with reserve staff in Scotland, is that they are very small teams and stretched across a huge number of threatened species and large landscapes. Unfortunately, they often don't have the capacity for bespoke people engagement activities. However, of course, this should have been communicated; I guess it's hard to disappoint people by saying 'no' to requested trips.
In terms of support for Swifts, I hope that SLN people will at least be glad to know that many RSPB SHQ staff worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to support the recent Swift brick legislation success.
Laurinda
From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Steven Robinson
Sent: 31 March 2026 09:41
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [SLN] Re: Tree nesting swifts
I've seen swifts in Białowieża Forest in the area below. So when I visited Cairngorms for a week towards the end of July 2021, I was keen to see swifts in the Abernethy Forest.
The staff at the RSPB visitor centre were a bit cagey when I asked, but did give me the email address of a colleague to contact.
I sent the email giving details that at the time, I'd been involved in swift conservation for nearly 15 years and would be in Scotland until this date and didn't even get a reply!
Steven
<image001.jpg>
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 05:14AM -0700
A bit late to the conversation but yes Abernethy Forest is the only UK site
i know of. I think there are several sites in and around the forest
'perimeter'. We are the only swift group local to the forest and i asked
RSPB about five years ago if our small group could go and take an escorted
look and was refused on the grounds that there were schedule one birds
nesting in the area. Sadly i have not found the RSPB to be supportive of
our work in any case so i have not asked again! One time i visited the
forest and asked about the swifts i got a blank look.
Cally
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:14:08 PM UTC paulnat...@googlemail.com
wrote:
On Sun, 29 Mar 2026 at 07:58, <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Google Groups logo
Google Groups
Topic digest
View all topics
· Nest box installation - 11 Updates
· Advice re preventing swifts from injuring themselves - 1 Update
· Article - Swifts Over the North Sea ~ - 1 Update
· Tree nesting swifts - 1 Update
· Swifts - A vets guide on dealing with Swifts. - 1 Update
Nest box installation
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 04:48AM -0700
Hi all
Wondering who people are getting to install their nest boxes? I used to
have insurance for one of our guys but it has now risen to over £400 and
that's only to cover 3.5 mtr height. Basically i am stuck!
I guess asking a local friendly man and a ladder or getting funding to
cover a qualified person at their hourly rate are the only options unless i
can find an insurance company to cover what's required.
Grateful for ideas!
Cally
Zoe Crossley <zoecr...@live.co.uk>: Mar 28 11:52AM
Hi Cally,
I use chap who installs cctc and tv aerials. Fully insured for ladder work and to drill into peoples properties. Hope that helps.
Zoe
Framlingham swifts
On 28 Mar 2026, at 11:48, Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi all
Wondering who people are getting to install their nest boxes? I used to have insurance for one of our guys but it has now risen to over £400 and that's only to cover 3.5 mtr height. Basically i am stuck!
I guess asking a local friendly man and a ladder or getting funding to cover a qualified person at their hourly rate are the only options unless i can find an insurance company to cover what's required.
Grateful for ideas!
Cally
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Machynlleth & District Swift Group <machs...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 12:14PM
Hi Cally,
Find yourself a nice man like me to put them up! It's a job not many like
doing. It's a risky business. I haven't got insurance. What we all need is
a rich benefactor who will buy us a cherry picker!
An ideal person would be a retired builder or similar. Good luck.
Elfyn
Dick Newell <dick....@gmail.com>: Mar 28 12:34PM
We have used a scaffold tower on a number of occasions
eg here
<https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02D42fenroRvtp3DEdwqWYfEvg3Q5wmokX8kRsTk7KV8NPb8ejHdUYUfG3E2cWjnBWl&id=100064468728739&__cft__[0]=AZbF0Kj37V_4iOd2WtDcbYh0s8RbuuodfOAGPjGv9ljN5YpiJoSW1zCOSDOsH_KnWrGK0U0ehr6B8Aaf4ozdh-Y8M9I4_hNC2L4ScLo2eKb8r_On-Nu47J9tPfeXwc8F9nCqouNdehgsIA3gnN2Px1KvxzfDVoSXpJHWXXyC4qoEqg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R>
and
here
<https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=553873750104911&set=pcb.553874873438132>
.
More expensive than a ladder, but nowhere near the cost of a cherry picker.
I don't know what insurance costs would be, but they are inherently safer
than a ladder. Could be a sensible option for a group putting up a lot of
nest boxes.
Dick
On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 11:48, Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <
Gill Stacey <gillian....@btinternet.com>: Mar 28 12:45PM
Hi Cally
We use an aerial installer. He's put up lots of boxes for us now. He's also got insurance and long ladders. Photo of Peak boxes going up on a local chapel in 2024. Swifts were checking them out in the first year!
Gill
Stroud Swift Group

Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 07:14AM -0700
Excellent idea Zoe thank you!
Cally
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 07:19AM -0700
Thanks Dick yes a better option by far. They can be moved along too i
think.
Cally
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 07:20AM -0700
Thanks Gill i need this chap!! Thats a very high one indeed! I will see
if i can find such a chap :)
Best wishes
Cally
On Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:45:26 PM UTC Gill Stacey wrote:
Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org>: Mar 28 07:08PM
Hi Cally
Our project here doesn't install nest boxes, no ladder work at all for this very reason.
We provide the free surveys and guidance and can supply the nest boxes too. We then suggest a number of installers they can ask to install for a small fee if they're not fitting themselves.
We have chimney sweeps, a window cleaner, painter decorators, tree surgeon and an aerial chap amongst the DIY handy folk we can recommend, people who work with ladders and have their own insurance.
Very best of luck
Eddie
SuffolkBirdGroup.org
On 28 Mar 2026, at 12:14, Machynlleth & District Swift Group <machs...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Cally,
Find yourself a nice man like me to put them up! It's a job not many like doing. It's a risky business. I haven't got insurance. What we all need is a rich benefactor who will buy us a cherry picker!
An ideal person would be a retired builder or similar. Good luck.
Elfyn
On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 11:52, Zoe Crossley <zoecr...@live.co.uk> wrote:
Hi Cally,
I use chap who installs cctc and tv aerials. Fully insured for ladder work and to drill into peoples properties. Hope that helps.
Zoe
Framlingham swifts
On 28 Mar 2026, at 11:48, Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi all
Wondering who people are getting to install their nest boxes? I used to have insurance for one of our guys but it has now risen to over £400 and that's only to cover 3.5 mtr height. Basically i am stuck!
I guess asking a local friendly man and a ladder or getting funding to cover a qualified person at their hourly rate are the only options unless i can find an insurance company to cover what's required.
Grateful for ideas!
Cally
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Cally Smith <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 07:51PM
That's a good idea Eddie and a great alternative thank you!
Cally
Cally Smith
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On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 19:09, Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org>
wrote:
Heidi Collishaw <heidico...@googlemail.com>: Mar 28 09:08PM
Evening Cally,
Might it be worth asking your local fire station staff if they'd like to
help? Could be a useful publicity event for both parties!
Heidi
On Sat, 28 Mar 2026, 11:48 Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group, <
Back to top
Advice re preventing swifts from injuring themselves
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 07:12AM -0700
Firstly i would be asking the builders to encase the scaffolding with an
ecowrap prior to the swifts return to prevent the swifts striking the
scaffold which i assume is 'covering' the original nest sites. The ecowrap
also lessens the likelihood of them recognising the building and trying to
enter what just isnt there anymore. Is there any way temporary external
swift nest boxes can be installed on the other part of the building
obviously without damage as it is listed? I would be talking to those in
charge about reinstating the original nest sites in to the renovation.
This is more than possible and there would be different options and
possibilities depending on the work to be done it just needs the decision
makers to listen.
Cally
On Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7:02:34 PM UTC Graham Cowley wrote:
Back to top
Article - Swifts Over the North Sea ~
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 05:33AM -0700
This looks very interesting Louise! I will take a read. Especially living
so near to Aberdeen and for so many people in this area working on the rigs
etc.
Cally x
On Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:05:32 AM UTC Louise Bentley wrote:
Back to top
Tree nesting swifts
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 05:14AM -0700
A bit late to the conversation but yes Abernethy Forest is the only UK site
i know of. I think there are several sites in and around the forest
'perimeter'. We are the only swift group local to the forest and i asked
RSPB about five years ago if our small group could go and take an escorted
look and was refused on the grounds that there were schedule one birds
nesting in the area. Sadly i have not found the RSPB to be supportive of
our work in any case so i have not asked again! One time i visited the
forest and asked about the swifts i got a blank look.
Cally
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:14:08 PM UTC paulnat...@googlemail.com
wrote:
Back to top
Swifts - A vets guide on dealing with Swifts.
Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group <huntlysw...@gmail.com>: Mar 28 05:07AM -0700
Re the vets leaflet. In the distant past i have made up a leaflet to hand
in to our local police station as once there was a swift handed in there!
Just a thought :)
Cally
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Machynlleth & District Swift Group
Apr 1, 2026, 6:51:21 AM (3 days ago) Apr 1
to swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Hi Ann,
Thanks for clarifying that. It all makes sense now therefore the RSPB were clearly right in not disclosing the information.
Elfyn
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