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Aims
Concern for Swifts (Scotland) is a project.
The main objective is to retain swift colonies by safeguarding existing nest sites. -
Why Concern for Swifts?
Swifts are a familiar part of summer. It would be a great loss if the summer skies no longer played host to their aerial chasing and screaming. We believe that action is needed to prevent their loss
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Legal and Advisory
It's an offence to intentionally or recklessly take, damage, destroy or interfere with a nest of any wild bird while it is in use or to obstruct or prevent any wild bird from using its nest
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Where Swifts Nest or Nested
Swifts have adapted to nesting almost exclusively in buildings, but very occasionally nest in trees or caves. Basically they nest in suitable holes.
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Threats & Mitigation
The success of mitigation measures depends largely on the ability to retain existing nest sites or to recreate nest sites in exactly the same position as those lost
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Scaffolding
If you are installing scaffolding during the nesting season be aware that it may obstruct access to a nest site, even if it does not block off the entrance itself
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Some of the best projects
Diligent contractors and developers hold the key to successful swift conservation projects
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Purpose-built new sites
This is a selection of some of the best purpose-built nest sites, but not necessarily the most successful in getting swifts to nest
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Retro-fitting swift boxes
While retro-fitting should be a last resort, it is sometimes the only option considered. It seems to be favoured where publicity is the main purpose of the exercise.
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Off-the-peg swift nests
New construction in appropriate locations should aim to incorporate nest sites and there are some off-the-peg solutions. Pre-fabricated nest boxes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes – not all of them suitable!
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What can go wrong
In many cases what can go wrong is down to communication errors and human reluctance to attend to detail