Now in its sixth year, World Swift Day — which was founded by Swifts Without Frontiers — is being celebrated around the globe today (Friday 7th June) 2024.
There are 96 species of swifts, but if you have seen them darting around the skies above the Isle of Wight you are most likely seeing the Common Swift. These creatures will have flown several thousand miles to the UK to breed, doing everything they need on the wing, eating, sleeping, mating.
Fewer returning swifts?
There have already been many sightings on the Isle of Wight this year, with birds arriving in mid-May and expected to stay until July/August before heading back to Western and Central Africa.
Sadly, you may see fewer swifts around this year as there have been storms and strong northerly winds on the Continent causing problems for migrating swifts, swallows and house martins as well as other species.
Swift walk
As part of Swift Awareness Week 2024, Wight Swifts and the Isle of Wight Natural and Archaeological Society are jointly organising a Swift walk on Saturday 29th June, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. This ties in well with the Biosphere Festival, with lots of related events and activities taking place that weekend.
You can expect to see nest sites, screaming parties and learn more about the lifestyle of these amazing birds and how you can help them by installing a nestbox.
The walk starts from the bottom of Quay Street, Newport, by the entrance to the council car park (what three words ///remembers.signs.prevents). All are welcome. For further information contact Caroline Dudley on 07444 735806 or at [email protected]
An important message
Watch this important message about swift conservation from Dr Jane Goodall, Patron of Swifts Without Frontiers.
39 seconds of joy
If you haven’t had the opportunity to see any swifts yet this year, make sure your sound is on and click on the video below to enjoy the delights of not only Swifts, but bees and other birds on a warm May morning – filmed in 2019.
