Swifts and martins

Swifts will need no introduction for many Nunnington residents. Their joyous ‘screaming’ formation flights around the rooftops are an iconic sight on summer evenings. Swifts only land to breed, spending the other nine months aloft feeding, drinking, bathing, and even roosting in the air. We can only guess at the vast miles they cover between here and the Congo Basin, their other home.

Swift migration and nesting patterns

Swifts arrive in the UK in three main ‘waves’. First, last year’s breeding birds arrive in May. Then, towards the end of May and early June, we think 2-3-year-old swifts arrive, some of which will breed for the first time and fledge young later than the older breeders. Others may form pairs and occupy a nest site, and may build a nest in anticipation of the next year. Finally, usually in the second half of June, the one-year-old swifts arrive and begin to look for a colony to join. Hopefully, some will choose Nunnington, but it’s up to us to make sure the village retains and improves its appeal as a destination for swifts.

We are very lucky in this part of North Yorkshire for many reasons, of course, but not least for the abundance of pantilled roofs that make a very desirable place for swift nests. Local towns and villages such as Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and Ampleforth still have high numbers of swifts because these roofs offer sought-after nest sites.

But we mustn’t be complacent; if roof gaps are filled, swifts can no longer access their nest sites and must find an alternative.

Swifts need insects; insects need plants and flowers

In addition, the dramatic decline in insect numbers over recent decades is making life harder for swifts, so anything we can do to help insects will help swifts.

The River Rye makes Nunnington a dream location for swifts. The river is an important source of insects throughout the summer and, crucially, provides food during colder wetter periods when swifts will feed lower above water.

Village swift walks

On Saturday, April 18th, Jeremy Deedes and I will lead a walk around the village, looking at potential nest sites and assessing where we might install swift nest boxes. We hope to follow this up with a walk one midsummer evening, when the swifts, house martins and swallows have returned, just to enjoy watching them!

Both house martins and swallows need our help too. Please join us if you can, and we’ll see what Nunnington can do to help these beautiful summer visitors.

Jonathan Pomroy

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