What has the survey told us?
It is very difficult to draw any firm conclusions at this half-way stage.
We found 42 definite nest sites
and 20 probable nest sites,
but some areas were not surveyed and some records came in from areas we had not tried to cover.
There is also the question of records from previous years.
62 sites would suggest 124 adults, and (if we assume 4 young per nest)
another 248 young birds at the end of the season.
The question of where there are swifts or no swifts is probably
best left to the end of part 2 of the survey in late 2006.
Types of nest sites are varied. The predominate ‘model’ site
appears to be in a crevice under the roof guttering in old stone tenements,
but churches, modern flats, and even under a window lintel are alternatives.
One observer specifically made the connection between a lack of swifts in her area,
and the tenements being in good repair. Another observer noted feeling awkward about
looking up at peoples flats through binoculars.
I would strongly recommend not using binoculars at close quarters to people’s windows.
What happens next?
In part, that’s up to you...
Re-do some areas
Several observers have commented that they were just getting to grips with their areas and would
like to have another go next year. This would be useful, and why not?
Prioritise areas with no observers
Have a look at the table of
Swift Survey Areas for 2005.
If humanly possible, we need to try and cover the areas that we missed in 2005.
That may not be so easy, but - between us - we can probably cover most of it.
With more publicity, it is hoped some new volunteers will come forward.
Improve resources for observers
It would help if we could give each observer an exclusive index of streets within each area.
Produce new maps with sites from 2000 onwards marked;
perhaps Red=Definite, Yellow=Probable, White=Swifts Present?
Hopefully Bob Saville can help us here.
There is a dilemma in deciding how far back to map swift sites.
It is important for planning purposes not to exclude sites that were noted in
(say) 2000 but not in 2005. It just may be one observer got lucky and the next didn’t...
However, existing sites do disappear as tenements are renovated and we need to be aware of that.
Do have a look at the
2005 table of sightings.
If you have any thoughts/comments on the spread of sightings or anything in this autumn update,
please do share your thoughts.
Who to contact
Finally, remember that, although new buildings are now covered by planning guidelines,
tenements are not – and these are still the key nesting sites for swifts – so please
contact Susan Steel or Andrew Sandeman as soon as you become aware of any renovation plans for old buildings.
Susan Steel (Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Team)
0131 469 3920
Click here for email address
Andrew Sandeman (SOC Edinburgh Swift Coordinator)
4 Kinghorn Place
Edinburgh
EH6 4BN
0131 554 1310
Click here for email address
