Burton Swift Bird Study Group: May 2019

Friday 31 May 2019

Burton Swifts - Friday 31st May 2019

The weather was cool and breezy yet the birds still went high. Initially we saw up to 8 birds over the Memorial Hall and later we saw up to 7 birds chasing and screaming over the Coaching House and Manor House areas. Obviously we could not confirm whether these were separate groups or the same group.

We spent a small amount of time checking Cocking Yard, the front of the Royal, the new nest box site at Annabel's on The Square, and finishing off with more time spent watching both the Coaching House and the Manor house.

The only nest activity we recorded was a bird going into a established nest site at the eave level on one of last years sites at the front centre section of the Royal cottage front elevation (to the rh side of the middle upstairs window.

Tonights observers included: Annabel Campbell, Branwen Kilburn, Angela Sumner and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 6th June 2019 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome

Friday 24 May 2019

Burton Swifts - Thursday 23rd May 2019

It's really good news!

Four of us met at the Memorial Hall and we counted at least 12 Swifts in the skies above the Memorial Hall and which later seemed to centre their activities over the Royal area. Much chasing and screaming were taking place. Because of the recent demolition and construction work being carried out to the rear of the Royal Hotel we wanted to try and ascertain whether the birds were still using their established breeding nest sites, so we spent a good 90% of the watch at this one site.

It proved to be a good decision, though at first we had our doubts because it seemed so quiet, although plenty of overhead activity, yet after some 30 minutes watching we saw one bird enter the large slit opening, a little later this was followed by one going into the very small hole upper and to the left of the large slit. Also we managed to confirm that one went into the regular site on the return elevation, although at first we had doubts whether this one would be used because it was obvious a Starling was nesting in the proximity.

So for now we can establish that at least 3 of the 4 established sites are occupied, and no reason to suggest why the 4th site is not being used as well, although obviously we do need to get a confirmation of this over the coming weeks. Also earlier I was able to establish that the Hangings Farm site in Cocking Yard has been taken up again, and also on the front of the Royal Cottage, the small hole part way down the left hand side elevation is being used along with at least one of the high level eave sites again to the left hand side of the building.

Hopefully next week we maybe able to concentrate on both the Manor House and The Coach House.

Tonights observers included: Hugh and Sue Miles, Reg Hesketh and Bryan Yorke

The next Swift watch will be next Friday (please note change of night just for this week to FRIDAY 31st May 2019 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome

Thursday 2 May 2019

SWIFT UPDATES 2019 - EARLY DAYS

Tues 14th May 2019:

Lyn Bond from Priest Hutton found a Swift on her drive this morning (14th May 2019) and after letting the bird rest up for a while she will attempt to hold it up in hopes it will fly off, in the meantime she has sent these photos of the bird.

Lyn has now been back in touch to state she has successfully got the bird away again and it was seen to fly with strength to a high position, were it teamed up with another bird (probably its mate maybe!!)

Photo: Lyn Bond

The above 3 photos have been kindly sent in by Lyn Bond of Priest Hutton
who found the Swift in her drive this morning, maybe it has been stunned. After
resting she is going to hold it up in hope it will fly off. Lyn has been back in touch
and confirmed it got away successfully

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"Early Day Records"

It looks like we may have got our Swifts back with us, so I wont be doing anymore daily monitoring over the coming days, although we will commence our Swift evening watches soon and anyone interested is welcome to attend.

Tuesday 14th May 2019 - Main St, Burton In Kendal.

1600hrs 3 Swifts flying above Clawthorpe Hall

Monday 13th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2000hrs I think they may well all be back, at least 20 plus counted tonight with activity all the way from Manor House to the Tanpits, with high concentrations over the Royal.

0800hrs Up to 8 birds flying this morning with 4 in the Manor House vicinity and 4 in the Royal/Cocking Yard vicinity. Spent 10 minutes to rear of Royal. Workmen working further back in old pub garden area. No activity from Swifts to the rear nest sites whilst I was there.

Sunday 12th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2015hrs At least 10 birds between Manor House and Memorial Hall. A trio chasing. Bird seen to go in small hole midway down wall on LH of front Royal cottage elevation. Also a bird seen on two occasions to enter nest site at LH side eaves (approx 1 mtre from LH) of Royal Cottage front elevation.

0800hrs at least 12 Swifts flying between Tanpits and Manor House, with highest concentration seen around the Manor House side, with several birds chasing and screaming. It does look very much like there have been some increases in numbers.

Saturday 11th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1930hrs 5 Swifts flying high between Kings and Memorial Hall

0815hrs at least 10 Swifts about this morning could well be more, they were seen chasing one another and screaming with up to 8 birds in one party. 2 separate birds were seen to enter the front of the Royal Cottage.

Friday 10th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2030hrs 6 Swifts between Neddy Hill and Memorial Hall. One Swift seen going into Hanging Farm nestsite in Cocking Yard.

0800hrs Only 1 Swift seen over Memorial Hall, again just odd Martins, weather damp cold, thick cloud not moving, still conditions. Expect birds are feeding up elsewhere this morning

Thursday 9th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1945hrs Just one Swift seen to leave the Royal building and went off in a Neddy Hill direction with no others seen, along with a nil on Martins as well.

1000hrs No Swifts or Martins on view - weather damp, cold and miserable obviously the birds have moved to better feeding quarters.

Wednesday 8th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

0945hrs 6 Swifts flying together over Tanpits and Memorial Hall

Tuesday 7th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1930hrs Now 6 Swifts between Royal and Memorial Hall

1200hrs 4 Swifts over Memorial Hall

0700hrs No Swifts seen just a few Martins

Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2015hrs up to 4 Swifts, 10 House Martins and 1 Swallow. Swifts seen at varying points between Manor House and Memorial Hall.

0800hrs 3 birds seen, 2 over Royal and 1 over Manor House

Sunday 5th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2000hrs 4 birds present flying high above Memorial Hall

0830hrs Just 2 birds on view between Royal and Memorial

Saturday 4th May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1930hrs 4 birds giving the impression of two separate pairs high over between the Royal and the Kings.

0745hrs At least two birds (possibly 3) flying high above Glebe Close areas

Friday 3rd May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2000hrs no sightings of Swift/s or Martins the skies looked void

1030hrs - Still flying high over Tanpits and Morewood School areas, he/she was screaming to say they are very lonely on there own......come on lets have more Swifts!!

Thursday 2nd May 2019 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2030hrs - our first Swift has arrived back in the village and can currently be seen gracing the skies above the Memorial Hall.

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The first Swift watch for 2019 will be next Thursday 23rd May 2019 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome

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This is the blog belonging to the Burton Swift Bird Study Group who are based in the small village of Burton In Kendal, Cumbria. The group try to meet up at least once a week during the time the Swifts are with us, usually we meet on Thursday or Friday evening at about one hour prior to dusk to observe and make notes on our beautiful Swifts, recording their nest sites, monitoring their numbers and making general notes on their behaviour etc. We also where possible try to help builders and planners with suggestions and ideas in relation to Swift boxes or Swift nest sites prior to building renovations or alterations or new builds.

We are a small group of about eight people and we would welcome anyone who has a interest in Swifts and their behaviour to come along and join us. There are no fees, there are no chiefs, we are just a very keen small informal group who love to watch and study our local Swifts. We usually meet at the Burton Memorial Hall and the times will be posted on this blogsite but If you want further information please don't hesitate to contact one of the following group members.)

Reg Hesketh - email: rhofb@outlook.com

Jane Phillips - email: Janephillips@john-lewis.com

Swifts have been vanishing from our Citys, towns and villages by incredible numbers and this is why we feel the urgent need to observe and report our findings.

We are also affiliated to "Swifts In The Community" which is based closeby in Milnthorpe, which is a organisation reaching out to both North Lancashire and South Cumbria. They gather information on Swifts and forward that information on to the National database who are collating Swift numbers in preparation for ongoing surveys. Also "Swifts In The Community" produce leaflets which are freely given to Planners, Builders and any interested individuals who need advice on Swift nestboxes etc. They also promote local meetings and general swift awareness at local functions.

Besides our group in Burton In Kendal, there are other local active groups in Arnside, Silverdale, Carnforth, Yealand, Warton, Grange, Kendal and Sedbergh, who all gather information for the "Swifts In The Community" database.

Beside these areas already mentioned, SITC are also looking for Swift information from other areas and would welcome any enquiries from interested parties. Click over the link to reach their website which has all the contact details etc.

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Burton In Kendal Swift Arrival/Depart Summary Dates

2021 - Our first 3 Swifts were seen at 1930hrs on Friday 7th May 2021 and flying over the Royal Hotel. Increased to 7 birds on 8th May.

2020 - Our first single Swift was seen flying high over Orchard Close at 1600hrs on Saturday 2nd May 2020, 3 birds appeared the following day Sun 3rd May 2020. 7 birds on 5th May. 9 birds on 6th May. Our last recorded dispersal was on 7th August when 4 Swifts were seen over Burton.

2019 - Our first Swift was seen flying high over the Memorial Hall at 2030hrs on Thursday 2nd May 2019. Up to 4 birds on 4th May 2019. Increased to 6 birds on 7th May 2019. Up to 12 birds on 12th May 2019. Up to 20 plus the following day 13th May 2019. DEPARTURE: We still had 40 Swifts around the village on Monday 29th July, this dropped to 35 by Wed the 31st, 30 by Fri the 2nd Aug, and still 20 by Sat and Sun the 3rd and 4th Aug, dropped to 10 by Mon 5th, and to 3 by Tues the 6th and the last count still showed 3 on Wednesday August 14th 2019

2018 - First four Swifts arrived and were recorded at 1930hrs on May 3rd. Increased to 8 birds by May 10th and a further 7 birds arrived on May 11th bringing the total so far to 15 birds (counted). The bulk of our birds (at least 30/40) left in the early daylight hours of Sat 28th July 2018, then we were down to 20 by the 31st, then down to 14 on the 1st, 11 by the 4th, and 5 birds by the 5th and down to our last pair on 6th August. The last pair and their family left us on Mon 20th August 2018.

2017 - First arrivals 1700hrs on May 5th (6 birds). Increased to 10 birds by 1900hrs on May 6th. Increased to 15 at 1200hrs on 7th May. 17 on 11th May. Our first main departure was on Sunday 6th August 2017 when a good proportion of the birds left us. This was followed by yet a further large exit (20 plus) on Friday 11th August and a further eight birds on Sunday 13th August and since that date a single bird was recorded still on territory on 17th August 2017.

2016 - First arrival 1645hrs on May 3rd (single bird), then numbers to 9 on May 4th, increased to 14 by May 5th. A delay of further arrivals until May 22nd when at least 20 birds (total) were seen in the skies. 20 plus birds left us on 5th August, followed by another large departure on 15th and the final bird was seen entering a nest site on the Royal Cottage at 1900hrs on the 18th. It is presumed that this bird and the rest of the family left at sometime during the following day the 19th August 2016.

2015 - First arrivals May 4th - First departures (bulk left us on July 29th/30th), A further 10-12 birds left on Sat 8th August and the final nesting birds departure was recorded on 16th August 2015.

2014 - First arrivals May 5th and last seen August 8th (bulk gone by August 1st)

2013 - First arrivals May 5th and last birds seen August 8th (bulk gone by August 1st).

2012 - First Swift seen heading over Clawthorpe on May 1st - but village birds arrival not noted. Departure not recorded but was after July 27th when there were still 15 birds above Burton. I did see a gathering of no less than 50 birds over Morecambe Golf Club on 1st August 2012.

2011 - Five arrivals on May 8th - Departure somewhere around the 9th August 2011.

2010 - Swift arrival and departure not recorded