| SWIFTS IN TAYSIDE NEWSLETTER |
|
| With
alarming news that the swift population in Scotland has declined by
some 62% in the past few years, there is new urgency in finding out
where our swifts return to each year, and a realisation that swift
nest conservation is a priority. Swifts (Apus apus) do not build mud
nests as swallows and house martins do they use small crevices
under eaves and roof tiles. The nest is minimal: small air-borne particles
glued together with saliva to form a small saucer. The birds are at
direct risk from refurbishment or demolition of old buildings. The
re-use of warehouses and industrial buildings as residences invariably
leads to sealed roofs and walls and another swift nest site
lost. However, some architects are taking action to protect this acrobatic
species, and many roofing contractors and builders are keen to implement
simple actions to safeguard the birds. Some years ago Historic Scotland
innovatively restored Stanley Mills, Perthshire. Nest spaces were retained
under the eaves of the roof for the building's existing colony
of swifts............... |
