Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: mark smyth on April 13, 2009, 11:32:50 AM
-
I'm still pushing swifts which should be amber or better still red listed this year.
To kick off this season, they are already on eggs in Israel and have recently arrived in Holland and Germany, I bring you an unbelievable link sent to me by Oron. For the second time ever mating swifts have been photographed
http://www.ynet.co.il/Ext/App/Gallery/CdaDisplayGallery_Popup/0,11063,L-9587-1-0,00.html (http://www.ynet.co.il/Ext/App/Gallery/CdaDisplayGallery_Popup/0,11063,L-9587-1-0,00.html)
-
If you are thinking of creating a swift colony you could do what this man did in Holland
-
Or create a colony like this on the shores of Lough Neagh. The last photo shows the Lough Neagh fly
-
Or create a swift tower like this that is also located on the shores of Lough Neagh
-
Extraordinary pictures from Israel, Mark.
In your last post, about these free-standing apartment blocks..... are these popular? I would have thoguht the swifts liked the protection and warmth that comes from backing on to a building?
-
Maggi this is the first time in Europe that a swift 'tower' has been made. Time will tell if it will work
And lastly from Germany if you like house martins but "not on my house" how about a house martin colony on a pole?
http://www.schwalbenschutz.de/Schwalbenhauser/Standorte_AGROFOR/standorte_agrofor.html (http://www.schwalbenschutz.de/Schwalbenhauser/Standorte_AGROFOR/standorte_agrofor.html)
Could a German forum member try and find out how to get a brochure and or how much a tower costs?
-
Very cool, Mark. Those are some apartment complexes. That last link you posted takes me to some sort of map in german, not to a house martin colony?
-
scroll down to the links. Unfortunately the photos aren't very big
-
Try this : http://www.schwalbenschutz.de/Produktubersicht/produktubersicht.html
-
this years migration has come to a stand still due to the wind being in the wrong direction. Birds migrating in early april came with a good south wind but the wind over the last week or ten days has held the birds in Europe. The vast majority of European swifts are stuck in north Africa. Across the EU people are worried that the swifts havent appeared in large numbers.
In anticipation of a good season on my gable I have added another 4 nest boxes under the eaves of the house. I now have 14 nest boxes ::)
-
..... and just in from Germany
-
..... and just in from Germany
Mark,
I would be glad if you'll give a little bit more information about this tower.
I am very much interested in who built it and where it was erected.
Gerd
-
Gerd PM me your email address and I'll pass it to my friend in Germany
-
I'm sure it is only 2 or 3 meters square
-
Interesting stuff about the migration delay. I had read the thread a few days ago and have been keeping an eye open for arrivals here. Only saw the first swifts today. Have also been looking for sand martins but none so far in the usual places. Strangely I saw the first swallow of the season on April 4th which is about 10-14 days earlier than usual.
-
I'm back! After a long dispute with BT I woke today to find my internet back on. I think it's time to leave their company.
Back to swifts and I have some great news. The RSPB have just added the swift to the amber list
Amber list criteria
Historical population decline during 1800–1995, but recovering; population size has more than doubled over last 25 years
Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years
Moderate (25-49%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years
Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK non-breeding population over last 25 years
Species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe (SPEC = Species of European Conservation Concern)
Five-year mean of 1–300 breeding pairs in UK
> or =50% of UK breeding population in 10 or fewer sites, but not rare breeders
> or =50% of UK non-breeding population in 10 or fewer sites
> or =20% of European breeding population in UK
> or =20% of NW European (wildfowl), East Atlantic Flyway (waders) or European (others) non-breeding populations in UK
Here in N Ireland they have become a Priority 1 species.
In Ireland they are amber listed also.
-
In my colony the first bird back in a box was on May 6th. Three days later it's mate was back. I have four pairs together. One pair were in a box but for reasons unknown they haven't been back for a week. Two pairs now have an egg each. How do I know this? I have cameras in 5 nest boxes.
-
Our neighbours had to replace their guttering this spring, it was well overdue, and of course the swift next went when they did. I thought they might rebuild, but not seen any of them attempting to do it yet. Do you think they might try again? I used to love watching them arrive and bring up a family.
-
Can you explain what has happened? Were they nesting in the eaves which were then repaired/replaced?
-
Here's a short video just recorded. Who says swifts cant move fast!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlxb1OqAZ24 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlxb1OqAZ24)
-
Yes, Mark. They were nesting right where the gutter meets the wall. It was such a shame. Many others on our estate have actively stopped them from building nests on their property - they don't like the mess. I find it hard to understand myself. Wish they had decided to make their homes on my house instead but alas, they didn't. The houses they seem to favour are ones rendered with a sort of stucco which is painted. Built around 1950 I think, by the RAF. Ours were too, but not until 1960, and ours are mostly brick with render on part of the house. I've not seen a single swift nest on our houses, but lots were on the others, until people were allowed to buy them, then started preventing the swifts from nesting. They were almost all on an east facing wall.
-
You're referring to house martins that make mud nests. Swifts nest in holes and crevices around houses, mills and barns etc. I used to have house martins but the year their nest fell they didnt rebuild
-
I uploaded this video tonight. Do you know that swifts enter their nesting holes very fast around 50mph 70kph? Watch closely two minutes in. When you hear swifts screaming watch the right hand side of the box closest to the camera. The swift comes in so fast it hits the back of the box.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLI1Nw5W4mo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLI1Nw5W4mo)
-
here is a still from the footage
-
Mark,
Very cool. They have such long wings!!!!! :o
-
Do you know that swifts enter their nesting holes very fast around 50mph 70kph?
No, I didn't knowthat.... extraordinary, you'd wonder they don't tear their wings off, never mind the concussion from thumping the rear wall :o Makes the flying antics of the RAF pilots we see doing aerobatics over the countryside look distinctly amateurish!
-
Saw my first Swifts today on my cycle in to work, just about on time:
Follow their progress in Scandinavia here:
http://www.birdlife.no/fuglekunnskap/obser.php (http://www.birdlife.no/fuglekunnskap/obser.php)
(just type in Swift)
-
I read earlier this week that swifts have just arrived in Norway. They arrive from Africa in 5 waves
north Africa
Middle East
main land Europe
UK
northern Europe
Birds in the middle east are ready to fledge their young. What isnt known is do they go back to Africa or head your way for a second brood
-
I uploaded this video tonight. Do you know that swifts enter their nesting holes very fast around 50mph 70kph? Watch closely two minutes in. When you hear swifts screaming watch the right hand side of the box closest to the camera. The swift comes in so fast it hits the back of the box.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLI1Nw5W4mo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLI1Nw5W4mo)
Mark, thanks for the video link - I have never seen swifts resting and preening before - they are such beautiful birds I have watched them for hours on walks wheeling and arching overhead - at 50mph /70kph they they are on their way to being cheetahs of the sky - what is their top speed?
-
From commonswift.org http://www.commonswift.org/common_swift.html (http://www.commonswift.org/common_swift.html)
The Common Swift is one of the fastest-flying birds found in Europe. When members of a colony get together and fly screaming at full speed over their territory they can reach 220 kph 146 mph in dives. Only the Alpine Swift (Apus melba), which can dive at 250 km/h 166 mph, and the Hobby (Falco subbuteo), are faster than the Common Swift. The Hobby can dive at 240 km/h 160 mph and is the Common Swift’s only natural enemy on the wing, because no other predatory bird can fly fast enough and maneuver well enough to catch a free-flying Swift
Here is footage of a hobby, Falco subbuteo, catching a swift after a 3 minute chase
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHOV40b9_xA&feature=PlayList&p=FE1BA2C82F85BDC3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=40 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHOV40b9_xA&feature=PlayList&p=FE1BA2C82F85BDC3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=40)
-
Amazing footage someone captured but sad all the same....unbelievable speeds and your post is really interesting...we're still playing catch up then in all forms of racing ;D
-
some new videos for those of you who are interested.
Yesterday the swifts sitting on eggs were struggling with the heat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKypmeKav3g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKypmeKav3g)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml4MWcxkXAs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml4MWcxkXAs)
I was woken at 7am this morning by the commotion of swifts outside. When I pulled back the curtains I had to dash outside with the camera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh4-LNhSfGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh4-LNhSfGM)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLfBlWn4ipI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLfBlWn4ipI)
Anthony any luck with your swift boxes?
-
I see them going crazy, Mark, but what was upsetting them?
-
Not upset Maggi but joie de vie. This is swifts doing what swifts do. Where they are banging - a swift fan term - I have two new nest boxes in place and a lure of swifts singing to draw them in. They all want to be first to claim the nest but even though we can clearly see the entrance they dont.
-
Oh right, just happy Swifts.... I thought there might be a cat on the roof or something that was worrying them. :-X So much I don't understand about these birds...... still trying to come to grips with the speed they enter the nest boxes.... I was telling my chum, she was amazed too. Did you see the Dippers nesting in the sluice of a dam on "Springwatch" tonight? No problem for the parents but it will be dodgy for the fledglings getting out.... :-\
-
Yes I saw it. Spring Watch should be on every day during spring and summer
-
Swifts feature on Spring Watch tomorrow night
here is video of my first chick, or chicks, being fed. They were due yesterday. The high temperatures of last week thankfully didn't cook the eggs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA31zgLvg3c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA31zgLvg3c)
In another box there is either another chick, or chicks, that were due today. I could see either an egg or an egg shell lying at the side of the nest
Mark
-
Three chicks I have not been tempted to name parents or chicks like is seen in all other web cams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPFI5O_AjBM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPFI5O_AjBM)
-
Congratulations, Mark. 8)
-
Wonderfull Mark 8)
Eric
-
Thanks. They are growing very fast
-
Today I had a look at the camera box and saw the adults were off the nest so I took the oportunity to take some photos
-
Anyone see a Pulsatilla seed parachute?
-
Today I had a look at the camera box and saw the adults were off the nest so I took the oportunity to take some photos
What excitement Mark, a nest like a duvet to keep those two featherless chicks cosy - it's enchanting :)
All the web cam videos of Swifts are really interesting...
-
Thanks RR. I'm doing my bit for the conservation of the species
-
Some new videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtSUtUSq5rc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtSUtUSq5rc)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_rMjX41_sc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_rMjX41_sc)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNoNOXYErLw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNoNOXYErLw)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDwjN-LJnjo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDwjN-LJnjo)
-
The time for fledging is here and this 5 week old swift chick is doing press ups to strengthen its flight muscles. In a cramped nest site there is no room to flap like most young birds do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT3-jQJiUf8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT3-jQJiUf8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG9JcUS4H-8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG9JcUS4H-8)
-
My swifts have reared 12 chicks this year, in five nests, compared to 4 in 2008, in two nests, and 2 in 2007 in one nest
-
Mark, these videos of the Swift chicks exercising their wings are a wonderful insight into their early lives preparing to fly - thanks so much for showing them.... I thought at first there were only 2 chicks in the box then a third appeared from underneath the one doing the press-ups - sure is a cosy work-out, not too 'sweaty' I hope ;D
Congratulations on the success of so many raised this year! ;)
-
It's nearly over for another year. 8 of out 12 chicks have now fledged. Swift numbers are down. At lectures I'm always telling people they leave little or no mess - that's on the outside. Swifts keep a very clean nest but this pair had no sense of responsibilty
-
Swifts keep a very clean nest but this pair had no sense of responsibilty
Didn't you take a deposit for wear and tear and damage, Mark?
-
Next year I will
-
Swifts keep a very clean nest but this pair had no sense of responsibilty
Didn't you take a deposit for wear and tear and damage, Mark?
I thought Mark's complaint was that they'd left too much of a deposit? ;D :P
-
With a decline of 50% in Scotland and the SE of England, Breeding Bird Survey 2007, it's up to everyone who is interested in birds to help stop the decline of this fascinating bird.
All you need to do is create a small colony on your house. You really need to have a two storey house but a bungalow gable is high enough if there is a free access in and out.
Unfortunately due to the £/Euro exchange rate the best boxes, made by Schwegler in Germany, are too expensive. The cheapest boxes are those you make yourself or ask someone else to make. They will last longer if you use marine plywood. A marine ply box will cost under £10. If you have a local wood yard they will cut the wood to size for you. You should have two or three nests available
An ideal size is about 40cm x 16.6cm x 16.5cm 16x7x7 inches.
Ask your wood yard to cut the follow. The wood yard can cut longer lengths to allow you to make a three or four chambered nest box either in a line or two above the other
top and base 40x16.5cm
back 40x16.5cm
front 40x16.5cm
sides 14x17cm
This means the top and base stick out 1.5cm - the thickness of the wood. The front then sits very tight between the top and base and can be held in place with screws or hooks and eyes.
The front entrance for the birds needs to be no more than 33x65cm. The sides of the hole can be rounded to straight. Position it about 3cm up from the base and about the same from the side
If you want to add a camera drill a small hole to take the cable out
You then need a CD of swifts duetting to draw your swifts in.
I'll post some examples of home made boxes later
-
Brings back memories of rearing a young swift that my sister's friend's dog found. Its appetite increased 10 fold when it started exercising its wings. I don't remember the press-ups, but I do remember it frantically shuffling its closed wings. I ended up feeding it on 'Minced Morsals' as I could catch enough moths! It was my dad who saw it fly off - straight out of the kitchen door, through his legs and away. Gave the milkman a bit of a shock! :o
-
push ups
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG9JcUS4H-8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG9JcUS4H-8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT3-jQJiUf8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT3-jQJiUf8)