Swifts.

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

RE: Swifts.

John Doherty · Status: Offline

Ian McKerchar wrote:

I've worked in the city centre for very nearly 20 years now and am fortunate to spend much of that time out and about in it but with regards Swifts in the city centre it's a resounding no from me I'm afraid.

The closest I've got is half a mile away, at Miles Platting, so the likelihood of the city centre tick for you is there, Ian

Simon Johnson · Status: Offline

I've worked in city centre 10 years now and can't recall ever seeing a swift in city centre!

Speaking of Swifts does anyone know if juv Swifts beg for food once out of the nest like other birds?

There was some chasing at local colony which seemed different to that I have normally seen with one bird trying to get under another wings fluttering more than normal like it was begging! Don't know if young Swifts do this?

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

I've worked in the city centre for very nearly 20 years now and am fortunate to spend much of that time out and about in it but with regards Swifts in the city centre it's a resounding no from me I'm afraid.

dave broome · Status: Offline

On my occasional trips in to Manchester City centre I've been surprised at the lack of Swifts. Is that normally the case? 2 over the Irwell today were the first I recall seeing.

I know that most modern buildings presumably lack any nesting opportunity, but there must still be considerable older building stock which is suitable in and around the centre.

I remember Berlin in the mid-1990's being rammed with Swifts.

Has Manchester city centre ever had decent numbers?

Stephen Fuentes · Status: Offline

Andy Bissitt wrote:

I wouldn't quite say they've made it yet (or that the globe's still working). At the only local site I know where a meaningful population hangs on, they have yet to reappear so far. There's time yet, I know, but if May's weather continues to be cool and pretty wet, it could be their death knell in Stockport.

Hi Andy,

Speaking of Stockport Swifts, we're well into double figures now here in Bredbury. Park up near Morrisons and view South and you should see them.

Cheers,

Steve.

Nick Isherwood · Status: Offline

JOHN TYMON wrote:

There has been no shortage of swifts over recent weeks at the flashes and on the whole I would say there have been more than last year,always remember that swift can travel great distances from the nest sites to feed,and a study a long time ago,it was found that birds visiting pennington flash to feed were actually nesting in Liverpool.

Scouse birds - they get everywhere!!

Steve Almond · Status: Offline

Around 300 daily at Rumworth last three days

JOHN TYMON · Status: Offline

There has been no shortage of swifts over recent weeks at the flashes and on the whole I would say there have been more than last year,always remember that swift can travel great distances from the nest sites to feed,and a study a long time ago,it was found that birds visiting pennington flash to feed were actually nesting in Liverpool.

gary mills · Status: Offline

The Houghton Lane area of Swinton usually holds a healthy population of Swifts albeit it has decreased over the last 10 years. They usually arrive back in numbers by the 10th May. So far just 3 or 4

Gary Mills

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

I wouldn't quite say they've made it yet (or that the globe's still working). At the only local site I know where a meaningful population hangs on, they have yet to reappear so far. There's time yet, I know, but if May's weather continues to be cool and pretty wet, it could be their death knell in Stockport.

Pete Astles · Status: Offline

Nice one Dean.

They came over my garden yesterday thats when I count summer as started not when I see them out birdwatching. Something about summer on your lounger when the swifts are screaming overhead. But this year we have the swifts but no sun!

-- Edited by Pete Astles on Friday 11th of May 2012 10:36:44 AM

Dean Macdonald · Status: Offline

Theyve made it again,
Which means the globes still working, the Creations
Still waking refreshed, our summers
Still all to come.

Ted Hughes.