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Dry Drayton Swift Project

 

Over the last few years Rowena Baxter has been attracting swifts to the Pettitts Close area. Rowena describes her earlier efforts and successes here. Her most recent report on the project so far is on the the Action For Swifts Blog:

http://actionforswifts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/swifts-get-established-in-dry-drayton.html

 

In 2015 a number of Rowena's neighbours have joined in with more offers of swift accommodation. The first week in March has seen Pettitts Close getting ready to welcome back their swifts during the second week of May.  Last summer 3 pairs of swifts raised 2 chicks each and now 16 new boxes are being attached under the eaves.  It usually takes at least two years for swifts to become established in new boxes and start breeding... sometimes five years or more.

 

One of the new swift boxes being fixed under the eaves in Pettitts Close
One of the new swift boxes being fitted under the eaves in Pettitts Close. Photo by Clive Cooper

 

Below is the latest information from Rowena about other Swift Projects in our neighbourhood.

 

Wednesday 1st July 2015, 18:00 to dusk: St Neots Swift Festival 2015 will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church. The Swift colony has grown to 9 pairs since nest boxes were installed in 2006. There are now 44 nest boxes ready for 2015. It is hoped to arrange visits to the belfry for those who wish to climb the steps. There will be displays, refreshments and a talk by Edward Mayer of Swift Conservation.  See poster here

Saturday 4th July 2015, 9:00 to 17:00: Ely Wildspace BioBlitz 2015 runs from 5pm on Friday through to 5pm on Saturday. On Saturday, AfS will have a display and activities for children at Basecamp in Ely Pocket Park. For details of the Bioblitz with directions see here

Then at 18:00 to dusk: Swift watch at St Mary's Ely - come along to the church and watch the Swift spectacle as large flocks of screaming swifts charge around the tower. Help us to record which nest boxes the swifts are using.

Friday 17th July 2015, 18:00 to dusk: Worlington Swift Festival 2015. Come and celebrate the Swifts in All Saints, Worlington. The colony has grown to 20 pairs in 2014. There will be displays, refreshments and a talk by Edward Mayer of Swift Conservation  (Edward is an inspiring speaker)
See poster

21st - 23rd August, Birdfair 2015, Egleton, Rutland: Swift Conservation & Action for Swifts will be showcasing Swifts, highlighting the challenges they face, including their spectacular migrations to Africa and back, and providing free information on ideas for action to help end their sad decline. Attraction call equipment, nest boxes and videos will be on display. Booklets, badges, and attraction call kits will be on sale. Find out all about Swifts and join the newly formed Swifts Local Network! Talk to us about what you can do in your home, church or school to help Swifts