Common swifts 2009

[Ragged Robin]

Amazing footage someone captured but sad all the same....unbelievable speeds and your post is really interesting...we're still playing catch up then in all forms of racing 

[mark smyth]

some new videos for those of you who are interested.
Yesterday the swifts sitting on eggs were struggling with the heat



I was woken at 7am this morning by the commotion of swifts outside. When I pulled back the curtains I had to dash outside with the camera



Anthony any luck with your swift boxes?

[Maggi Young]

I see them going crazy, Mark, but what was upsetting them?

[mark smyth]

Not upset Maggi but joie de vie. This is swifts doing what swifts do. Where they are banging - a swift fan term - I have two new nest boxes in place and a lure of swifts singing to draw them in. They all want to be first to claim the nest but even though we can clearly see the entrance they dont.

[Maggi Young]

Oh right, just happy Swifts.... I thought there might be a cat on the roof or something that was worrying them.    So much I don't understand about these birds...... still trying to come to grips with the speed they enter the nest boxes.... I was telling my chum, she was amazed too.  Did you see the Dippers nesting in the sluice of a dam on "Springwatch" tonight?  No problem for the parents but it will be dodgy for the fledglings getting out....

[mark smyth]

Yes I saw it. Spring Watch should be on every day during spring and summer

[mark smyth]

Swifts feature on Spring Watch tomorrow night

here is video of my first chick, or chicks, being fed. They were due yesterday. The high temperatures of last week thankfully didn't cook the eggs



In another box there is either another chick, or chicks, that were due today. I could see either an egg or an egg shell lying at the side of the nest

Mark

[mark smyth]

Three chicks I have not been tempted to name parents or chicks like is seen in all other web cams

[Paul T]

Congratulations, Mark. 

[Eric Locke]

Wonderfull Mark 

Eric

[mark smyth]

Thanks. They are growing very fast

[mark smyth]

Today I had a look at the camera box and saw the adults were off the nest so I took the oportunity to take some photos

[mark smyth]

Anyone see a Pulsatilla seed parachute?

[Ragged Robin]

Today I had a look at the camera box and saw the adults were off the nest so I took the oportunity to take some photos

What excitement Mark, a nest like a duvet to keep those two featherless chicks cosy - it's enchanting  

All the web cam videos of Swifts are really interesting...

[mark smyth]

Thanks RR. I'm doing my bit for the conservation of the species