• In an update to 2022, for 2023 I’ll be using the swift box design above. This has several advantages over the twin box design I was using:
  • It is quicker and easier to build
  • It has a sloping uPVC roof so should withstand the rigours of our weather almost indefinitely
  • It can be sited on a wall facing in ANY direction – the previous design had a tendency to overheat inside if exposed to full sun on a south or west facing wall. This design is well protected from the heat by having thicker walls and a white roof
• If you’d like to get involved, here’s a brief summary of what’s required:
  • You live in North Nibley!
  • You have a wall with a site 4-6 metres (12 – 20ft) above ground level where the box will fit
  • Higher than that is possible but only if I can borrow a longer ladder or can get access to a cherry picker
  • This site has clear flight line into and out of the box i.e. no other buildings, trees, overhead wires etc. near enough to the site to prevent the Swifts from easily flying in and out.
• I will build the boxes and fit them to your house.
  • I will ask you to make a contribution of £20/pair of boxes towards the cost of materials.
  • As a result of sales of Orchard Revival’s SOS (Save Our Swifts) cider I will be able to hold this 2022 price for next year despite the increased cost of timber
  • Note that commercially available Swift boxes start at around £30 EACH

• Be warned: it may take several years to get Swifts nesting in the boxes but there are tricks we can use to speed up this process:
  • The main one is playing the ‘scream’ call Swifts are so well known for. If this is done at the appropriate time of year, it is EXTREMELY successful at attracting Swifts – without it the chances of getting Swifts nesting in the boxes is small.
  • These were EXTREMELY successful in attracting birds to most of the sites that had them in 2022
  • So, I will be building more sets for people to borrow in 2023
  • They will have time switches so, once set up, will come on at the best time of day to attract the birds
  • Since this is a naturally occurring noise, very few people notice it and even fewer find it annoying. But the birds love it!
  • There are several aspects of the nest boxes’ design which also help attract the birds:

Swifts start scouting for a nest site when they are about 3 years old. They have been on the wing continuously since fledging and have NEVER landed anywhere. This means, initially at least, they are pretty useless at landing. This ‘landing ladder’ gives them something to grip onto whilst investigating what might be through the hole. The area painted black also seems to work well in attracting the birds.

A nest ‘cup’ lined with feathers (glued down!) also seems to be a good ‘kick start’ for getting Swifts to inhabit a nest box. Since they cannot land on the ground, they have to collect all their nesting material (largely feathers) in the air which, as can be imagined, is a fairly slow process. Giving the birds a head start with building a nest is well worth the effort.

Finally:

• Swifts are extremely site loyal so, once a nest box has been used, they are extremely likely to return to it each year.
• Swifts are very unobtrusive nesters: they make very little noise and virtually no mess. In fact, you will barely know they are there unless you watch for them coming and going.
• If you are interested and think you may have a suitable site, please get in touch ‘Leave a Reply‘ below – all comments are vetted before being posted on this website so no contact details will EVER be made public.
• Get in touch – NIBLEY SWIFTS NEEDS YOU!!