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Help us help swifts |
Help us help swifts
We need your help to find out more about our swifts. They're some of the last spring migrants to arrive, but the first to leave. You've probably seen them speeding through the air, screaming their heads off, or swooping into crevices in buildings. But they're in trouble. Swifts are now on the Amber List - they're birds of Conservation Concern. Their numbers have declined dramatically in the past 10 years; we're not sure why, but one of the possible reasons is that their nest sites are being destroyed. Tell us where you see swifts and help us to help them. What to doWe'd like to find out where swifts are seen and where they're nesting. Look out for low-level screaming groups of swifts (that means they're breeding nearby) or where you've seen swifts nesting - perhaps entering a roof or hole in a building. The best time to look is around dusk on a warm, still evening. Screaming swifts flying low around houses are probably nesting somewhere close by. We're working with swift groups around the UK. Your information will help our knowledge of swifts so that more nest sites can be provided and protected. At the end of the breeding season, you'll be able to see all the results that everyone sent in. Sending your resultsDownload our forms from the side of this page and tell us what you've seen and where. It's quicker and easier for us if you can fill it in on your computer and e-mail it back to us at: swifts@rspb.org.uk or, if you prefer, print it out and post it to: Swifts 2009
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In more depthDownloads
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Swift in flight - Mark Thomas
Swifts flying around church tower - Graham Catley
Swift in flight - Graham Catley
Flock of swifts in flight - Graham Catley
Swift hunting insects - Graham Catley
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)