Maybe it’s because we are looking out for them but this summer there seem to be more swifts about than usual. Members of our WhatsApp group have sent in some wonderful videos of the birds swooping around their houses, skimming low over the river or, in the case of this video of Andrew’s, young swifts known as bangers actually knocking against nest boxes. Apparently, they do this to check a box is vacant for use the following year.
Our members have been out and about with our display, visiting outdoor events in Chorlton and Didsbury. Armed with nest boxes, swift bricks and giving on the spot demonstrations of callers they’ve been able to spread the message of swift conservation. On Open Gardens Day we set up stall at Broomcroft House where Manchester University is installing swift boxes and the Vice Chancellor’s wife, Diana is making the grounds as wildlife friendly as possible. She had been working with the famous local hedgehog heroine, Barbara who was there with some baby hedgehogs.
We had a lovely day at Fletcher Moss when we, and the RSPB, got together to celebrate the swiftbricks, newly installed in the Croft. Of course, this is easier said than done as swift bricks are barely perceptible in a large brick wall. All you can see is a smallish hole, just bog enough for a swift to squeeze into.
On this occasion we had a second display, urging people to encourage insects. After all, there’s no point in our covering buildings with swiftboxes so the birds can breed freely if there’s not enough for them to eat. When feeding chicks, one swift can catch 10,000 insects a day. Our display emphasised the importance of flowers and plants that attracted bees, butterflies and other pollen- attracted insects. This was very easy as all the flowers surrounding us were of that type; all planted by our member Rachel and the Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens.
Right – Rachel speaking about insects to an interested onlooker
To be continued...
