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How do I attract Swifts ?

Wtf ? · 2020-04-28 16:39:01

It's nearly time for the Swift to arrive and I love to hear and watch them as they play chasing above my house. I bought and put up 4 Swift boxes last October and I also downloaded swift calls as I believe that attracts them to nest. Without annoying the neighbours will I just play it on a loop for a few hours a day ? I…

28-04-2020 4:39pm

#1

Wtf ?

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It's nearly time for the Swift to arrive and I love to hear and watch them as they play chasing above my house. I bought and put up 4 Swift boxes last October and I also downloaded swift calls as I believe that attracts them to nest. Without annoying the neighbours will I just play it on a loop for a few hours a day ?
I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

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#2 28-04-2020 4:53pm

[Deleted User]
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Don't know how to help but we got 3 back today, giving it the high flight for about an hour, then back down to zooming across the garden to say hello, it's always great to see them. no doubt a good few more over the next few days.

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#3 28-04-2020 9:42pm

Ulmus

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GMIT have a live stream of swift nest boxes. https://www.gmit.ie/mayo/swifts

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#4 28-04-2020 9:45pm

Scotty #

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There used to be a user here who want by the name "Swifts need our help". He hasn't posted in a while but if you look through his post history you may find some useful info, starting with this one > https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=71866146

From that guys website... http://saveourswifts.co.uk/

How and when should you play the calls?

The simple answer is as loud and as long as possible, subject to not annoying anyone! Swifts are most active in good weather and in the early morning and late evening. These are therefore the best times to play calls but any time of day particularly in good weather and in June and July can be effective. It is also best to position the speakers as close to the boxes as possible.

If you are playing calls near where people work e.g. a school or other workplace the best times to play, with avoiding possible annoyance in mind, is from 6.30 am to 8.30 am. This is achieved by fitting the call system to an automatic timer plugged into the mains electricity. The timer should then be programmed to come on at 8.30 pm and to play until 10.30 pm when it should be programmed to turn itself off.

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#5 28-04-2020 10:36pm

OpenYourEyes

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See here for a comprehensive guide to attracting Swifts which might have the answer to your questions: https://birdwatchireland.ie/publications/saving-swifts-guide/

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