Bye bye swifts, come back soon

It really seems now that our swifts have left for warmer climes - or are they just still up there, keeping clear of the cold and wet? 

Time will tell but today, 7 August, is the cut-off day for returns from the small army of volunteers who have been trying to keep track of our swifts since the memorably warm and sunny evening on 8 July when we all got together at The Boot.

All surveyors have now been reminded to submit their returns, but anyone else who has noticed particular activity also, please, let me have a note of this.  In particular, have you seen swifts flying into walls and clinging there, or flying round and round an identifiable location, so low that you can hear the wind in their feathers?

Please do let me know of any such sightings, to elizabeth_forbes@btinternet.com.

It would seem that activity has been very patchy, with none at all in areas where they used to be seen regularly, but many more  elsewhere.  We look forward to reading Andrew's report and as this is our very first attempt, it will be interesting.

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