RSPB Swift Survey

The RSPB do an annual swift survey. Sightings last year were considerably lower than before in Berkshire and across the country, perhaps due to development pressure.  Records are important to help Swift Conservation and as an aid to encourage developers to install swift boxes in suitable areas and also to challenge housing developments that are damaging to the birds. Swifts will use artificial nest sites if located correctly and the cost to developers is tiny.  Recording is easy to do: just one record per site a year.

Go to http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/swifts/index.aspx

for more information and to record sightings of:

a. Definite nest sites where you have seen swifts going into cracks in buildings

b. Screaming parties: groups of swifts flying at roof level noisily

c. Missing nests: places where you used to see swifts, but not any longer.