Swifts

We visited the Emplins colony that we have been monitoring for many, many years (as seen on 'Breakfast TV' recently).



The house is mid 15th century, so access and getting around in the roof is a bit on the "iffy" side. This year we managed to find 13 ringeable birds in 6 nests plus a 'naked & blind' brood of 2. Two nests were inaccessible and a further three broods had already fledged, making 12 breeding pairs in total.

There were over 40 birds in the air including quite a few "screamers".



Above: A party of 'Screamers' passing by.



Above: A juvenile in the nest



Above: This juvenile weighed 43.2 grams (and it is still growing).



Above: Feathers are just starting to poke through the pins on this juvenile.

Twenty years ago we were ringing over 40 young, reducing to 24 chicks just ten years ago. Now there are even less. One reason is that the House Sparrows have built nests in quite a few of the holes/ledges and these ought to be cleared out - as they tend not to reuse them, anyway.



Above: After straining to get his leg over the ladders, Errol is left panting!



Above: Feeling for birds!

Swiftly does it!

The Emplins in Gamlingay is a 15th century house. It is a very charming building and this is where a certain species of bird decides to nest each year - in the loft. A couple of hours rooting around in the lofts avoiding gaps, squeasing around, trying not to put a foot through the ceiling and generally getting very hot. Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention the flies and a bees nest that sent us back the way we came (very quickly!). We had 17 birds (mostly young including a few adults - 1 a retrap from last year) from the loft. Outside, the nets were up and 3 swifts were caught.

Above: Mark is kindly holding the bird to pose for a photo.