The subject of this morning's TOTD ( Tweet of the Day) was the Swift. But when they put its call on, I could only hear a few dinky squeaks. Such is age. But ...as we all know, and as eni fule kno, the Swift is declining here in the UK ... and a lot of it is due to the lack of nesting sites. And that is largely due to roof/fascia board alterations. Luckily, in our street there are some big, tall houses with the old-fangled ( is that a word ? The opposite of new-fangled ?) roofing arrangements.... and they're still nesting there. But many houses are no longer suitable. Well, you can buy posh Swift boxes .... and you can make them. Plans do exist. It might be a good idea for the RSPB ( other associations are available) to help things along a bit by replacing the cacky begging letters they slip inside their magazine with a handy set of diagrams showing us how to make their own. But hey ... what do us plebs out in the sticks know eh ? But there is a further problem ... they need to be put up a a hefty height ... 7m +. Now that can be tricky for most potential erectors ! Drilling into a stone/brick wall up a 7m ladder can be a daunting experience. But ... there is another way !! And it's attractive and popular !!! Like I used to be. Where did it all go ? In many places, all over the Swift-populated world, they put up Swift Towers. They're like Trump Towers, but they do some good. (In case you're not sure, they are towers which are specially designed to accommodate lots of nesting swifts. Yo !! Woo ! ) Yes. I can't wait for Mold town centre to get one. Truly ... I'm convinced that they would be a great attraction and benefit for towns and cities all over the UK ... and I'm also sure it wouldn't be too hard to raise the money either.Even meany-guts old me would contribute. And ... During the course of my research into "all this sort of thing" I have discovered that there are "Swift Groups" all over the country, raising awareness of the problem and trying to do something about it.... maybe there's one near you. And "Action for Swifts" [ Warning .. most references to Swift Groups on the net are either about caravans or somebody called Taylor Swift.] [Truly]. Here's a few pictures .... from all over the world ..... .... come on Swifts, I want you back !
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AuthorThat's the author up there ... I was young and sprightly then. Archives
October 2022
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