Little Swifts

OBaoghil.7

About 5 years ago I noticed a little swift flying amongst the local flight of swallows on first arriving that spring. It disapeared and I never saw it again. Earlier his year, when walking locally, I saw a couple of small swifts flying amongst swallows from another flight.
My local flight of Swallows seem to have left. Maybe to join other flights for the long flight ahead. So when out walking today I met a large number of swallows gathering in the area where i had previously seen the small swifts. This morning I saw around 4 or 5 of the small swifts. Very clearly, as they were flying low around lane and hedgerow where the swallows were perched on the telegraph lines.
I wish I had taken my camera but sadly didnt. I will have to assume they wil be there again next year and can take some photos.
What a nice start to the day:)

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Little swifts are indigenous to Asia and Africa. They are considered rare vagrants in any part of Europe. Are you certain they were Little Swifts?

Half-cocked

Possibly House or Sand Martens?

OBaoghil.7

Riya Attractive Ramp wrote: »

Little swifts are indigenous to Asia and Africa. They are considered rare vagrants in any part of Europe. Are you certain they were Little Swifts?

Yes, thanks for that. I do know they are rare vagrants and I assume the odd one or two accompany the swallows from Africa. They are certainly arriving with swallows and share the same air space. They have the big white rump patch and the tails appear to be short and square. I do not see a split or any streamers. If not the little swift what could they be?
Pity I didn't have a picture to share.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

OBaoghil.7 wrote: »

Yes, thanks for that. I do know they are rare vagrants and I assume the odd one or two accompany the swallows from Africa. They are certainly arriving with swallows and share the same air space. They have the big white rump patch and the tails appear to be short and square. I do not see a split or any streamers. If not the little swift what could they be?
Pity I didn't have a picture to share.

House Martins!

They are almost certainly not Little Swifts.

OBaoghil.7

Riya Attractive Ramp wrote: »

House Martins!

They are almost certainly not Little Swifts.

Very blunt message!

In response:

Didnt see a white chest and the tail wasnt split but I suppose I could be wrong.

Are little swifts ever seen in Ireland?

OBaoghil.7

Half-cocked wrote: »

Possibly House or Sand Martens?

Thanks. Certainly not sand martins. The concensus appears to be House Martins but as I mentioned, I did not observe the white chest or split tail. Do young House Martins have a stubby tail and lack a white chest?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

OBaoghil.7 wrote: »

Very blunt message!

In response:

Didnt see a white chest and the tail wasnt split but I suppose I could be wrong.

Are little swifts ever seen in Ireland?

Wasn't meant to be blunt. There's not much more to add.

Irish Birding have records of a few Alpine Swifts but no Little Swifts. I know there was an unconfirmed report in 1967 but the nearest confirmed is southern Spain.

OBaoghil.7

Riya Attractive Ramp wrote: »

Wasn't meant to be blunt. There's not much more to add.

Irish Birding have records of a few Alpine Swifts but no Little Swifts. I know there was an unconfirmed report in 1967 but the nearest confirmed is southern Spain.

Thanks for the reply. I had a link showing one recently in Nottingham and another last year in Scotland which is probably what got me excited really. I assume these were young House Martins then? Looking at the images online I think the colouring isnt as dark as those (house martins) I saw this morning.
Well it was still enjoyable watching them today.
Thanks