Burton Swifts - Friday 29th June 2018 and week

Swift Watch - Friday 29th June 2018 - Burton Main Street checking usual sites

Lots of great activity on the Coaching House this week with 4 sites recording for 2018 so far
Click over photo to enlarge

We started off from the Memorial Hall, and then moved on to Cocking Yard which turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.  Whilst observing we actually witnessed a Swift going into the left hand corner high elevation behind the barge board of Riggs House and the house owner came out and told us of another Swift nest site he had on the rear of his property and we were then kindly invited to go to the back of the house to check it out. The owner had seen a Swift entering his property on a regular bases and it was somewhere about the middle of the property on the high elevation. Not only that we were also assured by other house owners who approached us whilst in Cocking Yard that there were even more nesting pairs on another house on the right hand side and also on Hangings Farm and its adjoining property, again we were unaware of these sites so do intend to try and get some observations here over the coming couple of weeks.

We then moved on to the Royal in particular checking out the rear annexe of which we were still a bird short to fill the very large nest hole at the very top.  Sure enough tonight was one of those nights when everything was happening and before long we witnessed a bird using this site, which completes all the established nest sites that we are aware of on the rear of the Royal. Besides this one we also saw two birds enter the larger horizontal slit hole and also birds entering and leaving the small hole just above and left of the large slit hole.

Moving on to the front of the Royal and things got even better with a bird seen to enter a nest site to the LH side of the third window along on the high elevation (right hand side of building).  This again was the first time we have witnessed this site being used this year, bring the total nest sites being used on the "Royal Cottage and rear Annexed building" to a total of 9 sites which is fantastic!!

In the skies above Main Street and counted from around the Royal Areas we had a total of at least 15 birds in the skies, with plenty of small parties (up to seven in a party), screaming and chasing one another throughout the watch.

We then briefly checked out the Manor House, before going up to the rear and gable areas of The Coaching House.  We were inspired to check this area in particular because Sue had noticed a Swift leaving a new site on the rear upper elevation during the week, and sure enough we were not to be disappointed.  Although we did not see the one Sue had seen we were treated to a "grand performance" from other Swifts which had obviously occupied up to three separate sites on the gable high elevation.  We think that two of these sites are previously recorded.  So from Sues record and ours tonight we can confirm breeding in at least 4 new sites on the Coaching House which again is just fantastic!!

Tonights observers were:  Bert (welcome Bert), Mary Bullimore, Reg Hesketh, Kathryn, Bryan Yorke

Swifts of Cocking Yard as of 29th June 2018 (Click over photo to enlarge)

Swifts now confirmed on the front of the Royal Cottage (Click over photo to enlarge)

All regular sites now confirmed for 2018 (Click over photo to enlarge)

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 5th July 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at new time of 2030hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swifts - Thursday 21st June 2018 and week.

Friday 22nd June 2018 "Glebe Close" Burton In Kendal 1300hrs to 1400hrs

Properties in question - Glebe Close cul-de-sac
(Click over photo to enlarge)

At least six Swifts constantly flying low within the square dimensional open cul-de-sac area of Glebe Close and every few minutes would be seen flying up to the eaves of the different properties as though trying to find nest sites or canvassing the area for a site or maybe for some other reason and without landing would immediately fly away and come back and repeat this behaviour on that or other nearby properties.  This is the very first time I have seen them doing this here and carrying out this strange behaviour for such a prolonged period (approx one hour). I wonder what could have triggered this strange behaviour and especially why here on the modern build properties (1980s) which are all tightly rendered up to and between the rafter ends and have no open access for bird nest sites. I can only think perhaps that these are immature birds from maybe last year or the year before. I cannot understand why breeding birds would have the time and energy to want to participate in this. I have also seen a similar behaviour to this here before performed by House Martins, but this only ever lasted for ten minutes or so.

Thursday 21st June 2018 and week - Burton In Kendal - Main Street

Very little activity was seen tonight, we checked out the Post Office Cottages, Cocking Yard, the rear of the Royal and the Manor House.  We had a total of ten birds seen in the skies along the full stretch of Main Street.  We also watched one bird has it left the regular nest site at the Post Office cottages, and we also witnessed a bird enterting and leaving the nest site at the gable corner of the Manor House (ex Starling Hole!) It was clear skies and the opinion of the group were that most of the Swifts were feeding up at high altitude and escaping view.

Tonights observers were: Reg Hesketh, Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Friday 29th June 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swifts - Thursday 14th June 2018 and week

Thursday 14th June 2018 and week - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

The weather has changed considerably in the last 12 hours having just gone through severe strong winds, although the situation was beginning to settle down again.

It was a hit and miss to see the Swifts because at times the skies seemed almost absent and then you would see a small flurry with anything between 5 and 8 birds and just a couple of occasions did we have a party of three which were screaming.  The best count of birds in the sky tonight was 11 birds.

Whilst observing from the Memorial Hall, we were lucky to see one bird leave its nest site to the left hand side of the right window of the cottage next but one to the Post Office.  Also we then checked out Cocking Yard and was able to confirm the bird using its long established site at Hangings Farm and we were told also that it is possible they are using the site on the right hand site at the drop level with the black drainpipe (this needs to be confirmed).

We then went observing at the Royal Cottage and rear annexe but had nothing to report and then continued on to the Manor House.  At the Manor House I had one bird enter the lower gable site which the starlings occupied last year.

Tonight's observers were: Reg and May Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

Here are photos showing the progress to date:

Shows nest site recorded tonight on the cottages on the Post Office Buildings block (Click over to enlarge)

Shows nest site recorded tonight on the "Hangings Farm" in Cocking Yard (Click over to enlarge)

Shows Records so far this year on the Manor House (Click over to enlarge)

Shows records so far this year on the Royal Hotel Cottage (front elevation) (Click over to enlarge)

Shows records so far this year on rear annexe of the Royal Cottage building (Click over to enlarge)

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 21st June 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome   

Burton Swifts - Thursday 7th June 2018 and week

We checked out a total of nine birds in the skies between the Memorial Hall and over the Royal Hotel areas.  This week we concentrated our efforts on both the front and back of the Royal and it paid off with us being able to establish that a further five of the established nest sites were being used yet again this year and also a further additional site was also confirmed by Hugh who had earlier seen birds using one of the old established sites on the front of the Royal Cottage. This bringing the Royal total count now up to 7 nest sites being used as we know of.

We are also aware from past recent counts that a further 6 nest sites are being used on the Manor House, which brings the total nest sites so far being used up to 13 sites in residence.

Tonights observers included: Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles, Bryan Yorke. We agreed to meet up again next Thursday at 2000hrs at the Burton Memorial Hall - Everyone is welcome

All 2018 nest sites recorded so far on the Royal Cottage (click over to enlarge)
Still one or two of the established sites to be occupied above the window to the Right Hand

All 2018 nest sites currently being used (Click over to enlarge)
Just one of the regular sites to our knowledge unnocupied - the top large hole

Manor House nest sites for 2018 (Click over to enlarge)

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 14th June 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome   

Burton Swifts - Friday 1st June and week

The Royal "Cottage" 2018 site confirmed to far right side

We changed our Swift night to the Friday evening because of the Bat Night being presented at the Memorial Hall on the Thursday evening.

We started off from Memorial Hall at 2000hrs and had counted approximately ten birds flying about this area but there could have been more.  We checked out Cocking Yard, The Royal and finished off at the Manor.  We noticed at least a further four birds over the Manor House area.  On our way back we managed to confirm a bird going into the front of the cottage to a established site on the right side of the building (see photo for details)

We estimate we have somewhere around the 15-20 birds back with us, which is somewhere about the average for us.

Tonights observers were Reg Hesketh and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 7th June 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swifts - Thursday 24th May 2018 and week

Thursday 31st May 2018 - Over Burton Memorial Hall 2100hrs

After coming out of the Hall after watching a fabulous presentation on Bats given by Gail Armstrong, I then counted 15 Swifts in close proximity high over the Hall, Post Office building, so I guess we may have quite a lot back now!  hopefully tomorrows Swift night will give us a better indication.

Burton Swift watch on Thursday 24th May 2018 - from Burton Memorial Hall at 2000hrs to 2145hrs

We did count a approximate total of 15 birds in the sky but could well have been more, there were lots of excited chasing parties seen tonight at both ends of the Swift corridor, constantly going past whilst screaming away obviously enjoying the abundance of low insects. It was a fabulous watch and we were able to establish that all but one of the Manor House sites are currently being used (six sites in all)

Sticking with the Manor House we were very concerned at one point when we had already seen a Swift enter one of the regular gable end sites (the same site confirmed only last week), and this was quickly followed by yet another Swift into the same nest hole, but the 2nd Swift gave the appearance that it was stuck at the entrance and seemed to be doing contortions with a single wing which could be clearly seen sticking out and sort of twisting around as though it was struggling for movability.  What made it even worse was we then saw yet another Swift trying to get in the same entrance, but this was seen to abort on several occasions simply because the hole was blocked off by the earlier bird. After observing for almost one hour at this site we thankfully did see the bird eventually come out followed by the other one, so all was well after the event! Through all this commotion it did give us all chance to do a more complete study on the situation at the Manor House and we found that we witnessed that six sites on the property were being used.  We only have seven booked off so we are doing really well on the Manor, almost to capacity.

Tonights observers included: Mary Bullimore, Mrs. Judith Ellis, Mr. Edward Ellis, Hugh and Sue Miles, Bryan Yorke.

Manor House Swift Sites tonight 24th May 2018 (Click over photo to enlarge)

The next Swift watch will be next Friday 1st June 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swifts - Thursday 17th May 2018 week

Thursday 17th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs to 2045hrs

We counted at least 7 Swifts which at times were flying together chasing and screaming between the area of the Memorial Hall and the Royal.  Then we had a further four Swifts flying between the Kings and the Manor House making a approx total of 11 birds.

We managed to witness a pair going into the gable end of the Manor House has marked off on the photo below. Also we did see a further pair of Swifts leaving a property just west of the Manor House, this would be a further new site to us.

Observers were: Reg Hesketh, Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

Manor House Swift sites (Click over to enlarge)

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 24th May 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

SWIFT UPDATES 2018 (Early Days)

Saturday 12th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

(1945hrs) 16 Swifts flying above Main St with 12 flying between Memorial Hall and over the Royal with two of these seen to enter nest holes in the rear annexe to the Royal.  Also a further 4 at least flying over the area between the Manor House and the Kings Arms. 

Friday 11th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

(2015hrs)  GOOD NEWS! At long last we now have 15 birds in the skies over Main Street between the Memorial Hall to the Manor House.  

(0945hrs) Just had two birds which came from out of the front elevation eaves at the Royal Cottage. One single seen earlier high above Neddy Hill could well have been one of these birds - not sure, but the skies were rather birdless this morning.

Thursday 10th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

(2000hrs)  A definite 8 Swifts (possibly 10) flying between Memorial Hall and Boon Town

Tuesday 8th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

(2000hrs)  Just two Swifts seen high above Memorial Hall.

(0700hrs) At least 6 Swifts high above Royal to Memorial Hall areas

Monday 7th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

(1530hrs) 6 Swifts over back of Royal/Cocking Yard area as seen from Bowling Club (via Hugh and Sue)

(1300hrs) 3 Swifts chasing one another and screaming at the back of the Royal Area.

(0600hrs)  Just one swift seen around the Royal area

Sunday 6th May 2018 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

(1930hrs)  Two birds flying around the Royal rear elevations. Then watch has both birds went into a old nesting site we have down from a few years ago on the rear of the side elevation of the main building which goes up Boon Town Lane (witnessed from up near the Bowling Green facility) the birds both left the area after about 20 seconds or so. No more birds reported.

Saturday 5th May 2018 - Main St, Burton In Kendal

(2100hrs)  One noticed flying low to the back of the Royal Annexe.

(1800hrs)  Checked Main Street and no Swifts seen anywhere

(1045hrs)  Still just two Swifts seen high over Burton Memorial Hall.

Friday 4th May 2018 - Main St, Burton In Kendal

(2000hrs)  Just two Swifts seen high over Burton Memorial Hall.

(0910hrs) Two of our Swifts were seen to leave the upper eaves on the front LH to middle of the Royal Hotel. Both birds left simultaneously and were about two metres apart.

Thursday 3rd May 2018 - 1930hrs

First four Swifts are back in the village and witnessed at around 1930hrs.  They were seen high to medium above the Manor House and the Royal Hotel Cottage.  One appeared to enter the eaves to the LH front of the eaves on the Cottage but this was not confirmed.

The first Swift watch for 2018 will be next Thursday 17th May 2018 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

2017 BURTON SWIFT RECORDS (Summary)

2017

Presumed nest site activity recorded at: 

1.  Clawthorpe Hall Offices (Messrs Ducketts) 3 pairs presumed (not confirmed) (3 pairs)
2.  Front elevation of the small cottages attached to the Post Office - 2 pairs recorded (2 pairs)
3.  Three pairs suspected within Cocking Yard.  (3 pairs)
4.  Royal Hotel rear annexe and return 4 pairs nested (4 pairs)
5.  Royal Hotel cottage front elevation 5 pairs recorded (5 pairs)
6.  The Coaching House - all elevations - no birds recorded this year.
7.  Manor House - 5 sites on Gable, and Main front and Cottage - 5 sites this year (5 pairs)

Please check out photos below which relate to the above sites.

Total nest sites which we suspect nesting 

22 nest sites in total.  Showing a decrease of nest sites this year by one site.
Young raised this year purely estimated on the low side of 2 per nest less 20% approx = 35 birds.
Breeding adults estimate at 2 per nest site - 44 birds - Chicks raised estimate 35 birds - estimated immature birds 20.  Making a estimated total birds involved with Burton Village eg: Parents, Chicks and Immatures on Recci could have been as many as 90 birds (estimated)

Arrivals and Departure dates

The first 6 birds arrived back on Friday 5th May at 1700hrs, this increased to 10 birds by 1900 on the following evening, and increased by a further 15 by 1200hrs the following day the 7th May.

The first large departure was on Sunday 6th August 2017 when the majority of birds left, this was followed by a second large departure of at least 20 birds on Friday 11th August, followed by a further 8 birds on Sunday 13th August.  The last bird seen was a single bird on territory and flying high over the Kings on the evening of 17th August 2017.

Highest number of birds counted at any one time was:

46 recorded on the Swift night on Thursday 3rd August 2017.

Observers over the 12 weeks included: 

Mary Bullimore, David Craig, Judith and Edward Ellis, Reg Hesketh, Branwen Kilburn, Hugh and Sue Miles, Jane Phillips, Angela Sumner, Bryan Yorke,

Below are photos showing the various nest sites with their histories marked in red

CLAWTHORPE HALL (Messrs Ducketts) NEST SITES MARKED IN RED

Please click over photos to enlarge

COTTAGE ON POST OFFICE ROW (below)

Cottages on the Post Office Row (Click over to enlarge)

"COCKING YARD" (below)

This is "Hangings Farm" in Cocking Yard a really good site used in all years since 2013.
We also suspect two further nest sites have been used in Cocking Yard during 2017
(Click over the photo to enlarge)

ROYAL HOTEL and REAR ANNEXE and COTTAGE (below)

Royal Hotel - Rear Annexe and showing the return (Click over to enlarge)

This is the Royal Hotel "Cottage" a low elevation showing all the nest sites.
(Click over photo to enlarge)

THE COACHING HOUSE (Below)

" The Coaching House" (Click over to enlarge)
Sadly although we cannot be sure, we never saw any sites being used on this building during 2017

"The Manor House" and the Cottage (Click over to enlarge)

Although two of the regular sites were not used this year (as far as we know) you may notice two new sites
 - one on the front by the drainpipe and also one new one on the small cottage.

Thanks to everyone who came along this year and enjoyed the Swifts and I look forward to next year when we hope the birds will be back flying above our village from the 4th May 2018

*********

Burton Swift Group - Thursday 10th August 2017 week

Friday 18th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs

0 Swifts

Thursday 17th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs

1 Swift - a single bird hawking the skies to the W side of the Kings.

Wednesday 16th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs

0 Swifts

Tuesday 15th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 1930hrs

0 Swifts

Monday 14th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2020hrs

0 Swifts - overcast with prolonged rain

Sunday 13th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2040hrs

3 Swifts hawking the skies over Manor House, Kings areas - very high - dry and still evening.

Saturday 12th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2030hrs

8 Swifts in the skies above Neddy Hill and the Royal very high - fine evening.

Saturday 12th August - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 0800hrs

2 Swifts over the Manor House areas also a group of 5 Martins behind the School. Again Overcast with the lightest of drizzle.

Friday 11th August 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs

One Swift hunting high above the Memorial Hall. Very overcast threatening rain.

Thursday 10th August 2017  - Main Street, Burton In Kendal - 2000hrs to 2100hrs

We noticed Swifts straightaway really high over the Memorial Hall and that is were they remained for most of the time of our observations.  The count started with about 10 birds but quickly accelerated to teens, latter teens and a maximum of 27 birds in the sky at the same time.  Almost on the hour the birds did move slightly towards the Neddy Hill and Royal areas and by the close of our counting time it was getting pretty dark.  Though we were treated to a special treat when we were priviliged to see a bird return to its nesting site at the eaves above the right hand window jamb stone of the Royal Hotel cottage.

It was great to hear from Angela of her records over the past couple of days, and the day before she had quite a good number of birds (late teens) at 2100hrs although much earlier in the hour I had only had the single bird on my quick stroll up Main Street.  So it just goes to show that you can be there one minute and see very little, but be there half a hour later and you can get birds in double figures having come into view or returned from outward foraging.

It is quite remarkable we are getting so many birds at such a late date and selfishly superb for the observers.  We have decided to call tonight's watch the last of the year although I will try and take a "rough" count over the coming days to monitor the outgoing birds best we can.

Also we all agreed that Reg would kindly ask Tanya and Edmund Hoare of Sedbergh if they will kindly come and put on their Swift presentation at the Memorial Hall (a date to be arranged for over the Winter months. Anne Nicholls and Barry Morgan of the Burton News will be in charge of the arrangements for the Memorial Hall and details will be given in the Burton News in due course.

Observers tonight included: David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles, Angela Sumner and Bryan Yorke.

A Summary and final report will be issued in a couple of weeks time when all the birds have gone.

Burton Swift Group - Thursday 3rd August 2017 and week

Checking out the Swifts Wed 9th August 2017 - Main Street at 2015hrs

Just a single Swift tonight flying West over Neddy Hill. Weather Dry, blue skies etc.

A very interesting link you may wish to check out Re: Migrating Birds not being able to take into consideration the change in earlier Spring dates which we seem to be getting on account of global warming, the link is here:

To check the Migrating Birds link   PLEASE CLICK HERE 

Checking out the Swifts Tues 8th August 2017 - Main Street at 2030hrs

A lovely surprise to see 26 Swifts flying above the Memorial Hall, Neddy Hill Areas.  I still think the bulk of the Swifts may well have left us on Sunday last, but time will tell.

Checking out the Swifts Mon 7th August 2017 - Main Street at 2030hrs

Just 2 Swifts tonight, and although far too early to confirm it does look like the bulk of the Swifts may well have set off sometime during Sunday (6th August) on their long journey back to Africa. They probably went off in advance of the wet weather front we had during that day. 20 Martins observed over the Tanpits- Morewood Drive areas

Checking out the Swifts Mon 7th August 2017 - Main Street at 0900hrs

No Swifts seen over a 20 minute check up throughout Main Street, just the odd Swallow and Martin. Weather dry with blue sky (at the present)

Checking out the Swifts Sun 6th August 2017 - Main Street at 2045hrs

Not one single bird! but the weather was bad with heavy rain showers.

Checking out the Swifts Sat 5th August 2017 - Main Street at 2030hrs

Best count was 35 birds very high above Memorial Hall to Manor House with 26 at the Memorial Hall end and a further 9 over the Manor House Area

Checking out the Swifts Fri 4th August 2017 - Main Street at 2030hrs

Best count was at 26 birds with a screaming party of 8 birds.

Burton Swift Group - Thr 3rd August 2017 week - Main Street 2000hrs to 2100hrs

We met at the Memorial Hall were we witnessed lots of birds right from go with large parties screaming in the skies.  It was one of those nights were they seemed to be everywhere.

The best count tonight was 46 in the sky all at once but there could well have been more, because as we walked along Main Street towards the Manor House we saw even more parties of birds.

I don't know whether this will be the maximum count this year, but I would not be surprised if that was the case, however we will try to monitor them as the days pass and hopefully we can meet up again next week.

Tonight's observers included: Mary Bullimore, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

The next (and probably the final of the year) Swift watch will be next Thursday 10th August 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 27th July 2017 and week

Checking out the Swifts down Main Street - Wed 2nd August 2017 - 2030hrs

11 birds in total recorded. One entry into front of Royal Cottage when going past on return one leaving Royal Cottage and quickly followed by another entering. A established site already recorded. (B.Yorke)

Checking out the Swifts down Main Street - Tues 1st August 2017 2030hrs

28 birds (minimum) hawking the skies between Memorial Hall and Manor House (B.Yorke)

Checking out the Swifts down Main Street - Mon 31st July 2017 2015hrs

24 birds hawking the skies mainly over Neddy Hill, Royal and Manor areas (B.Yorke)

Checking out the Swifts down Main Street - Sun 30th July 2017 2040hrs

34 birds mainly over Memorial Hall, Neddy Hill, Cocking Yard and Royal.  Also even more birds down above the Manor House (B.Yorke)

Checking out the Swifts down Main Street - Sat 29th July 2017 2000hrs 

7 birds to count (B.Yorke)

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 27th July 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs to 2045hrs

Well tonight was just amazing and we counted no less than 36 birds in one counting high above the Memorial Hall and Neddy Hill areas but there could well have been more in other parts of Burton, the skies were alive with Swifts everywhere! We all felt that perhaps many young birds must have joined the party or the large "ball" of Swifts which we were witnessing. At one stage we actually saw a group of no less than 18 birds in chasing procession and screaming as they went past us - high, some very high.  Unfortunately the weather was not good and rain came in from 2030hrs so we actually curtailed our watch early, but what a fabulous spectacle.

It's obviously getting very close to the leaving dates and I do intend to try and get out daily to do a rough count and hopefully try and assess just how many are still with us in the skies.  Its the only way to find out the actual depart days and then it is only a "indication".

We are still having a meet up next week because usually its during the first week in August that most of the birds will depart but like only two years ago the bulk of the birds decided to leave us on 28th July 2015.

Tonight's observers included: David Craig, Reg Hesketh and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 3rd August 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 20th July 2017 week

Burton Swift Watch - Thr 20th July 2017 - 2000hrs "Burton Memorial Hall"

We were invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Parish Council held at the Burton Memorial Hall to address the Council (prior to their meeting) on the status of Swifts in our village. We were well supported.  I did manage to outline a brief description of the Swift and a summary of the migration routes and details. I also then gave a summary of the birds we have in Burton, the numbers and the nest sites and current activity of the birds, and also explained briefly our purpose of counting and observing, also mentioned about our affiliation to the "Swifts In The Community" and the bigger picture of our findings which are also being used by the BTO (birdtrack) for surveys together with the information being of interest for considerations in respect to future building and planning applications etc.

It also gave us the opportunity to mention that we would love it if the Swift conservation side could be considered on future building activity within the Village. I did also show them a sample of a Swift brick and other ideas which could be incorporated within buildings of old or new builds.  We all got the impression that we were well received, and without doubt the meeting seemed quite successful.

So moving on we met outside of the Memorial Hall from 2000hrs to observe the Swifts, but it was going to be one of those nights with very little seen. It was a little cooler this evening with a build in the wind and most of the birds we did see seemed quite high.   We did see up to five birds from there so we shortly moved on a little and did short observations from both opposite the Royal Cottage and then further along Main Street to opposite the Coaching House and the Manor. We did see a bird entering and shortly after leaving one of the already established nest sites on the Royal Cottage.  Also we did have a Swift enter one of the established nest sites on the front of the Manor House.  Whilst stood across from the Manor we did manage to get our aerial swift numbers up to seven so we presumed more birds had come back in from their outbound foraging!  On leaving and heading back some of us noticed that even more birds had arrived back and we did manage to count up to eleven birds high above Neddy Hill.

Tonight's observers included:  Mary Bullimore, David Craig, Kathryn, Hugh and Sue Miles, Angela Sumner and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 27th July 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 13th July 2017 and week

Tuesday 18th July 2017 - Main Street - 0800hrs

Whilst passing through the village I noticed quite a lot of birds in fact I would say there must have been no less than 40 but could well have been more.  They were very active and feeding up at low levels. Plenty of chasing going on. Probably the best quantitive I have seen in the village now for some time.

Mon 17th July 2017 - Ducketts - Builders Office, Clawthorpe Hall, Burton In Kendal 1200hrs to 1220hrs

Just did a short watch over about 20 minutes today and counted four aerial birds, so with sitters I would imagine we must have at least three nest sites yet again at Clawthorpe Hall.  It can be a tricky place to count because also there are plenty of House Martins and Swallows nesting there. At one stage there were literally scores of mixed hirundines and Swifts together and why do you think this was? I could hear a Peregrine and when I looked up you could see a adult with a young bird calling almost continually to the adult bird. So you can guess the commotion we had.  But it was strange because the skies were almost empty and yet within seconds there seemed to be birds everywhere!!


Burton Swift Watch -Thr 13th July 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs to 2115hrs

We met at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs, it was cooler with more wind about and yet the birds still managed to be at high altitudes, yet we still had good numbers of Swifts in the skies and did manage to count no less than 22 aerial birds at one point, but there could well have been more.  Whilst stood at various watching points (Memorial Hall, Opposite the Royal Cottage and opposite the Manor House) we had small parties of birds low and screaming.  We did have one party with nine birds chasing one another, it was a pleasure to see them.
We did see activity on the front of the Royal Cottage (low elevation) and also on the Manor House with birds entering or leaving their nest sites. One of the remaining two sites we were still missing birds on the Royal has now been confirmed, so all in all now we have just the one site on the Royal that has still to be confirmed. We do seem to have caught up nicely with occupation numbers although after saying that we are still down at the three sites on the Coaching House (one at the front and/or the two 2016 sites on the gable side.  We have as yet not been able to confirm occupation at any of these sites.

Everyone enjoyed the watch which was observed tonight by: David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles, Angela Sumner and Bryan Yorke.

We have been invited by the Parish Council to give a short talk about the Swifts and other birds in Burton prior to the Parish Council Meeting next Thursday evening (20th) and should anyone be interested they are most welcome to attend and this will take place at 1900hrs at the Memorial Hall.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 20th July 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 6th July 2017 week

Burton Swift Watch - Thr 6th July 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 2000hrs to 2130hrs

We met at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs and already Swifts were flying in the skies above us, we counted a maximum of at least 13 birds and then later we had a further 10 or so over the Coaching House/Manor House areas.  Then on our way back through we counted at least 20 birds over Neddy Hill area.  So we estimate somewhere between 20 and 25 birds in total.  In fact it was lovely to see the birds back just like they used to be after their recent low numbers on our counts, we do think that for some reason they have been travelling outside of the village to get insects and reports have come in of lots of Swifts being seen over at Leighton Moss and on a regular daily basis over Dockacres fishing pools.

We have been reliably informed by Jane that a new site has been noted from within Cocking Yard which brings the number of sites up to three there. Tonight we saw Swifts entering sites at the low elevation cottage on the front of the Royal from two separate sites.  Also tonight we did record birds on the Manor House at least four separate sites of which one site is a new site on the front low elevation, although we did suspect birds here a few weeks ago.  It was also pleasing to see that Swifts did eventually take back there original site on the gable end corner, which had for a few weeks presented a problem for the birds having been occupied by some Starling families.  So perhaps these birds will be very late raising their chicks and may well go into the middle of August before dispersal.

It was great seeing the birds in numbers again, and several parties of fours, sixes etc seemed to be enjoying themselves chasing one another and screaming like Swifts do.

Tonight's observers included: David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke. 

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 13th July 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 29th June 2017 week

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 29th June 2017 week 2000hrs to 2130 hrs

We met at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs and watched the skies but throughout the evening the best count was only 3 birds in total which is without doubt the worst count we have ever had during all our watches over the past five years.  We were all of the opinion that the majority of the birds had travelled away for feeding because we had seen Swifts in recent days feeding up over at Dockacres and Leighton Moss and it looks like the water areas are the hotspots for insects.  But we do hope things improve soon.
Also we did manage to see two birds either leaving or arriving at their nest sites.  On both occasions they were new sites for the year although we did have the sites on record and were long established regular sites. We had one on the LH side of the Royal Hotel Cottage and the other nestsite was on the Gable end of the Manor House close to the high wood purlin which you can see close to the top. Also a bird was recording leaving its nest site to the rear of the Royal.  So a quiet night but still birds about and could easily be missed going in and out of the sites.
Tonight's observers included: Mary Bullimore, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 6th July 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch - 22nd June 2017 week

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 22nd June 2017 - Main Street - Burton In Kendal 2000hrs to 2130hrs

We commenced our weekly Swift watch from the Memorial Hall were we did manage to witness the odd singular birds in the sky.  It paid off watching from the Memorial Hall as we saw a definite sighting of a bird entering one of the original established nest sites on the Post Office row cottages, and although we cannot confirm for sure we do also think that we had yet another bird entering one of the other old nest sites on this same row. We had almost given up on birds nesting here this year, so it just shows you patience and persistence with our watches does pay off!

We also did a watch from across the road opposite the Royal "Cottage" building low elevation and whilst on our approach we did see three birds leaving the front of the Cottage building, but other than one of the birds we were not sure with pinpoint accuracy just were the birds had come out from. The one we did clearly see came out from a old established site to the front right hand corner of the building. 

Our best full count of the night was made from around here and the highest count of birds in the sky at the same time was ten birds.  At one time three birds were seen chasing together.

We spent some time at the Manor House and again we were fortunate to witness two birds almost at the same time enter two separate nest sites to the front of the building.  One of the sites was a old established site which we have recorded birds since 2013, but the other site was a completely new site never before recorded on the Manor House at eaves level and just left of the central drainpipe. 

By far a more productive night than the past couple of weeks.

Tonight's observers included: David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke. 

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 29th June 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome  

Burton Swift Watch 15th June 2017

Burton Swift Watch 15th June 2017

It was decided we meet at the Memorial Hall and that we try our watches starting from 2000hrs.  In hope that starting one hour later (which was the regular time we used to start in past years) we thought we might just get better results and see more nest activity.

However tonight was a on/off light shower situation and it seemed to have sent the birds very high, in fact at times they were so high you could just see the faintest of black specks in the sky.

We did check out the regular sites down Main Street but never saw any nest activity at all.

The best count we had was from the Memorial Hall when 12 birds were counted.

Tonights observers were:  David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles, Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 22nd June 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs - Everyone Welcome

Burton Swift Watch 8th June 2017 week

Thursday 8th June 2017 - Main Street - Burton In Kendal 1900hrs to 1945hrs

Weather fine although very windy. We only saw a maximum of four birds seen in the sky at one time. We were very lucky to see two separate nesting birds go into two established sites on the front of the lower Royal Cottage.  Also it was great to hear from Sue that she had seen a Swift using one of the rear annexe sites at the Royal which we did not have booked in so far this year, and additionally Reg had seen a Swift using the side return to the Annexe again another established site which we had not recorded so far this year. We also spent time checking out the Manor House, but we had nothing at all tonight from the Manor.  So to sum things up so far this year.

The Post Office Row block - not being used as yet to our knowledge
Cocking Yard - both established nest sites being used
Royal - Front Cottage - two sites being used.
Royal - Annexe Return - the established site being used
Royal - Rear annexe - all three established sites being used.
Coaching House - not being used as yet to our knowledge
Manor House - possibly one site being used on the front but still needs confirmation.
Clawthorpe Hall - Sites being used but status not recorded yet for this year.

Tonight's observers were: Reg Hesketh, Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 15th June 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 2000hrs (Please note we have changed the meeting time to one hour later than usual) - Everyone Welcome

Burton Swift Watch 1st June 2017 week

Exceptionally quiet yet again with only 11 birds counted in the skies at one time.

It does not look like the Post Office Buildings are being used this year (as yet!), although we do think both original sites in Cocking Yard are being used.  Last night we saw two birds going into nest holes on the rear annexe of the Royal at the same time so we are taking it that both these sites are being used.  Although we wondered if perhaps both nest site holes actually lead into one site because of their close proximity. We never saw any birds entering the front of the Royal although we do suspect at least one pair if not two to be using it. Again watching the Coaching House and The Manor there did not seem to be any definite nesting activity although there was plenty of aerial activity with chasing one another and screaming in small parties up to six birds.  Also on the gable of the Manor House the Starling was again playing Sentinel post and making sure the Swifts did not try and take over his/her nest.  Young Starlings could be heard in the nest as soon as food was being brought in.

Activity does seem to be very slow this year compared to past years and we perhaps need to change our observation times like in past years to nearer the point of darkness (eg 2000hrs).  For now its probably best left to meet at 1900hrs though maybe we could discuss it when more watchers are present.

Tonights watchers included: David Craig, Angela Sumner and Bryan Yorke

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 8th June 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 1900hrs - Everyone Welcome

Burton Swift watch 25th May week

Thursday 25th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton in Kendal 1900hrs to 2030hrs

We counted at best 23 Swifts tonight and these were for the most of the time extremely high in the sky towards the back of the Coaching House. Although there were odd parties of birds actually chasing one another whilst screaming at low levels.  It was really difficult to count we started off with about 10 birds whilst we were at the Memorial Hall and then saw regular smaller parties all the way down Main Street.

At some of the nest sites we saw birds going up to the nest holes and clinging on to the sides for a few seconds before then flying off yet again.  This was happening at The Royal on both the front of the Cottage and again on the rear annexe building.

A bird was seen to leave the original nest site on the right hand side of Cocking Yard, a site which was established and used back in 2013 and 2014.  We also have received information from Jane that birds are also occupying the long established site on Hangings Farm. Also a bird was seen to leave a nest site from the front of the Manor House.

Also of interest was again to see the Starling sentinel bird covering up the nest site hole on the bottom of the gable end, whilst at times the Swifts in a pair would deliberately head towards the nest site and just veer off at the last minute whilst screaming.  You could actually see the Starling "duck" with his head has the birds approached.  It also looked like Swifts were canvassing the small annexe to the right hand side of the Manor House.

Tonights watchers included:  David Craig, Edward Ellis, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles, Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 1st June 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 1900hrs - Everyone Welcome

Burton Swift Watch 18th May 2017 Week

Saturday 20th May 2017 - Updates

Yesterday I went along to the Manor House to try and get a photo of the Sentinel Starling, but there was none of the adult birds present and now wondering if perhaps the young Starlings have left the nest.  I will try and check again soon.  Whilst there though I did have two separate Swifts leave the building from nest sites although I could not be exact as to which nest holes they were using.  I am sure time will tell, but its all good news!

Also more good news to report from Jane who noticed that two birds have been seen in Cockin Yard and that the nest site on "Hangings Farm" is again being used.

Thursday 18th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal 1900hrs to 2030hrs

It proved again rather difficult to count the Swifts, but we did manage to get 15 at one time whilst we watched initially from the Memorial Hall, then we did have other small groups of birds seen over the Royal and Kings areas and again up to ten birds over the Manor House/Coaching House areas. Probably in total we may have had about 25 birds but for now we will settle for 15 for the records.

It was interesting to note that a couple of birds were constantly showing interest to the area close to the top of Neddy Hill close to the rear of David's house.  We will try and keep a eye on this because David informed the group that Swifts did in the not too distant past used to nest on the building behind him.

We moved on to the Royal and we did see two separate birds go into two nest sites on the front of the Royal Cottage so we now know that things have started moving there.

Edward who lives at the Manor House said he thought he saw Swifts entering the front of his house during the earlier part of the week although he was not absolutely sure at this stage. Of special interest tonight and something most of us had never seen before was to see a Starling standing guard over the entrance to it's nest site which also happened to be a long established nest site (each year since 2014) of the Swift.  The Starling would just stand there blocking off the hole and making sure the Swift could not get admittance!  It's one of the oldest established Swift sites on the Manor House and close to the bottom corner on the gable end. Tonight we watched has a pair of Swifts constantly flew in direction to the nest site whilst screaming at the same time and then would veer off just at the last second because the hole was blocked by the Starling. It was thought perhaps the young starlings in this nest would hopefully fledge in the next few days and hopefully vacate the nest site so the Swifts could then take over.

Tonights watchers included: David Craig, Judith and Edward Ellis, Reg Hesketh, Sue and Hugh Miles, Bryan Yorke


The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 25th May 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 1900hrs - Everyone Welcome

Burton Swift Watch Thursday 11th May 2017 Week

Thursday 18th May 2017 - 1500hrs - Clawthorpe Hall

2 Swifts seen high above Clawthorpe Hall

Burton Swift Watch - Thursday 11th May 2017 - 1900hrs to 2000hrs

We met at the Burton Memorial Hall and tried to count the Swifts.  We did manage to count at least 17 birds.  When we went further down Main Street we also managed to count up to 10 birds high around the Kings Arms and a further 7 birds above the Manor House.  Although it does suggest there could well have been more birds than 17 we counted,  we decided we will stick with what we know is a definite count rather than speculate! so for now its 17.

We checked out most of the usual nesting sites but no birds were seen to enter any of the sites, although at the commencement of our watch we did see a bird (bumping) or hitting the area (of a established nest site) on the end cottage on the same row as the post office but the bird decided not to actually enter the nest site and flew off. This attempt was seen on three separate occasions

The birds seemed high up tonight although odd screaming parties were witnessed.

Watchers tonight included: David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Branwen Kilburn, Hugh and Sue Miles, Jane Phillips, Bryan Yorke.

The next Swift watch will be next Thursday 18th May 2017 - Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 1900hrs - Everyone Welcome

SWIFTS UPDATES 2017

Monday 8th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1500hrs Far more Swifts in the sky.It looks like the builders have moved off for now and its only the surveyors who are on site and seem to be very busy measuring and surveying the old Royal buildings.

0930hrs  Only could see 3 birds today, and they were frightening to watch has they were almost touching the floor whilst following down the Main Street by only a couple of inches above the tarmac road and just has a car came in front of them they sort of went into a superquick vertical lift and over the car or wagon, but so dodgy to watch (shut eye and pray!) but they carried it out in a behaviour none other than a Swift could do!

The Royal builders had arrived on site this morning.  I did have a speak with the guys on site who were very helpful, although they said I would need to speak to the boss (when I can catch him).  They did think that the first phase would be the "New Builds" which should take preference over the old buildings (I hope so!).  I mentioned our concerns in regards to the Swifts on the old buildings.  I guess now that it makes this Thursday (SWIFT WATCH) evening more important to try and get the nest sites logged asap. In the meantime it would be great if we can try and monitor the situation.

Sunday 7th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1200hrs  at least 15 Birds now flying high above the Main Street
2000hrs at least 10 Birds seen flying above Main Street.  One bird seen to enter nest site on the left hand side of the Royal Cottage

ARNSIDE SWIFTS:  approx 1400hrs I had 17 over the Cricket Pitch

Saturday 6th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

2000hrs  10 Birds minimum flying high above Kings
1715hrs  4 Birds flying high above both Royal and Kings areas.
0900hrs   6 Birds flying high above the Royal area.

Friday 5th May 2017 - Main Street, Burton In Kendal

1530hrs  SIX SWIFTS ARRIVED AND CIRCLING OVER THE VILLAGE

0700hrs  A quick check out Main Street, but no signs of any Swifts as yet.

Thursday 4th May 2017 (Polling Day) Main Street, Burton In Kendal

0800hrs. Did a quick check of the village through Main Street, but never saw any Swifts back as yet
One back on territory yesterday evening on Silverdale Road, Arnside (Report per P. Moreton).

2000hrs. Did a quick check of the village through Main Street, but still no Swifts to report

Wednesday 26th April 2017

Over 300 Swifts were reported flying over the Chew Valley in Somerset today, so hopefully it should not be too long before they are back with us in Burton.

Odd reports in the last few days of birds flying over Arnside, Leighton Moss and a possible bird seen flying over our Village.

Once the birds are back with us we will be hoping to report on them on a regular basis.


Please come on our first Swift Watch night next Thursday evening May 11th 2017 at 1900hrs when we meet at the Memorial Hall  

2016 BURTON SWIFT RECORDS (Summary)

Presumed nest site activity recorded at:

1.  Clawthorpe Hall Offices (Messrs. Ducketts) 3 pairs recorded on 3 separate elevations.
2.  The front elevation of the small cottages attached to the Post Office - 2 pairs recorded
3.  At least one pair recorded in Cocking Yard.
4.  Royal Hotel rear annexe and return 4 pairs recorded
5.  Royal Hotel cottage front elevation 6 pairs recorded
6.  The Coaching House - 2 pairs recorded on the side elevation.
7.  Manor House - 3 pairs on side elevation and 2 pairs on front elevation.
Please check the above sites on photographs printed below.

Total nest sites which we recorded

23 nest sites in total. Showing a increase of nest sites this year by at least 3 sites.
Young raised this year purely estimated on the low side at 2 per nest less 20% approx = 37 birds.
Breeding adults estimate at 2 per nest site =  46 birds - Chicks raised estimate 37 birds - estimated immature birds for part of the breeding season - a wild guess estimate at 10-20 birds. Making a estimated total birds involved with Burton eg: Parents, Chicks and immatures on Recci to around the 93 bird mark!

Fatalities recorded this year:

One recorded picked up off the floor to rear of Royal Annexe, very wet and unable to fly and showing blood to its wing underparts.  David Craig kindly took it in and it did initially show signs of improvement. The next day it was transferred to the vetinery section of the Kendal College where it was cared for with food and daily examinations by Vet. Unfortunately after four days the bird died.

Arrivals and Departure dates

Date on which earliest birds arrived was a single bird witnessed at 1645hrs on 3rd May, then numbers swelled to 9 by the following day 4th May, increased to 14 by 5th May. Then there seemed to be a delay of further arrivals until 22nd May when at least 20 birds (total) were seen in the skies.

20 Swifts left us on 5th August, then another large departure on 15th August and the final sighting was on the 18th of a parent bird seen at 1900hrs going into a nest site on the front of the Royal Cottage. No birds have been recorded since that date.

Highest number of birds counted at any one time was

36 recorded on 1st of August, but we did have several watches which included birds of 30 on both 28th July and 4th August.

Observers over the 12 weeks included:

Paul and Mary Bullimore, David Craig, Derek from Kendal, Reg Hesketh, Ella and Ben, Branwen Kilburn, Hugh and Sue Miles, Jane Phillips, Angela Sumner, Mr and Mrs. Vickory, Bryan Yorke.

Below are photos showing the various nest sites (Please click over photo to enlarge)

CLAWTHORPE HALL (Messrs Ducketts) NEST SITES MARKED IN RED

Please click over photos to enlarge

COTTAGE ON POST OFFICE ROW AND ALSO COCKING YARD - MARKED RED

Please click over photos to enlarge

ROYAL HOTEL COTTAGE AND REAR ANNEXE - NEST SITES MARKED RED

Please click over photos to enlarge

THE COACHING HOUSE AND MANOR HOUSE - NEST SITES MARKED RED

Please click over photos to enlarge

Thanks to everyone who came along this year and enjoyed the Swifts and I look forward to next year when we hope the birds will be back flying above our village from the 4th May 2017