Here in The Netherlands they are now building so called "swiftcotes" . Something like a dovecote, but then for Swifts. Not sure if they are successful though.
Here is a video clip about it from our regional TV station.
Thanks kleipiper. Something lost in translation there! I wasn't sure whether the construction was supposed to be finished, but the individual boxes need back walls. However, there are a lot of structures that are successfully attracting swifts. The swiftconservation site mentioned above does show some and links to others.
We are lucky in our village in somerset to have several swift nesting sites(at least 5) two of them in our house. Just a bit worried about the site in the house opposite us which is about to be renovated, will keep an eye on the builders and hopefully stop them from blocking all the holes in.
The guy in that Dutch video said that the thing had only been put up about 2 days or so before the footage was made.
It was done by an organisation which monitors wild birds, so I guess they'll make sure it's a proper design.
These swiftcotes spring up in all sorts of places here in Holland at the moment, so at least people are beginning to care about wild birds a bit more .
In this game it's a question of better a bit late than never - at least it's there for next year and I hope it works. Volunteers tend to be people who are already busy doing other things.
Thanks for that information kleipieper. I'm sure they know what they're doing!
I've heard lots of reports in the last week or so of people doing something about threatened sites, and as Welshonion says, it's important to contact people with the power to do something about it - but always be nice to them!
Another note for Terry. It is illegal to disturb birds during the breeding season, so if any thing is to be done it must start now. The day after the nests are destroyed is too late.
Someone locally to us destroyed house martin nests on his house and was taken to court.
Your comment highlights the reason for collecting nest records and giving them to local wildlife organisations and to the planners even if there is no current development or repair work going on. If they are aware that there is a traditional nest-site they can look out for potential nest destruction activities in the future.
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Here in The Netherlands they are now building so called "swiftcotes"
. Something like a dovecote, but then for Swifts. Not sure if they are successful though.
Here is a video clip about it from our regional TV station.
http://www.omroepgelderland.nl/web/nieuws-1/2091518/geen-duiventil-maar-een-gierzwaluwtil-in-neede.htm#.VVGadZWJjcs
Adapt the design a bit and it could be a nice project for a good DIYer with a large garden
...
Thanks kleipiper. Something lost in translation there! I wasn't sure whether the construction was supposed to be finished, but the individual boxes need back walls. However, there are a lot of structures that are successfully attracting swifts. The swiftconservation site mentioned above does show some and links to others.
We are lucky in our village in somerset to have several swift nesting sites(at least 5) two of them in our house. Just a bit worried about the site in the house opposite us which is about to be renovated, will keep an eye on the builders and hopefully stop them from blocking all the holes in.
Good luck!
Hi Joe, sorry for the delay in answering
.
The guy in that Dutch video said that the thing had only been put up about 2 days or so before the footage was made.
It was done by an organisation which monitors wild birds, so I guess they'll make sure it's a proper design.
These swiftcotes spring up in all sorts of places here in Holland at the moment, so at least people are beginning to care about wild birds a bit more
.
I applaud the people who erected it - wonderful - but they've lost a year.
Hi Welshonion,
In this game it's a question of better a bit late than never - at least it's there for next year and I hope it works. Volunteers tend to be people who are already busy doing other things.
Thanks for that information kleipieper. I'm sure they know what they're doing!
I've heard lots of reports in the last week or so of people doing something about threatened sites, and as Welshonion says, it's important to contact people with the power to do something about it - but always be nice to them!
Someone locally to us destroyed house martin nests on his house and was taken to court.
Welshonion,
Your comment highlights the reason for collecting nest records and giving them to local wildlife organisations and to the planners even if there is no current development or repair work going on. If they are aware that there is a traditional nest-site they can look out for potential nest destruction activities in the future.