An Swift update from Frannie
On the evening of Wednesday, 23rd July 2025 the swifts were flying and screaming over the square in Hartland. We counted forty six, we think! It’s tricky , but certainly more than forty which is good news. Last year we estimated 40. It means our numbers are still climbing!
They were overhead yesterday, (27th July) at the garden show but this morning the skies were silent, the swifts have gone.
I have just checked the swiftbox with the camera and two of the three chicks have fledged, just one chick left. I will keep looking, hopefully it will fledge within a few days.
From what I’ve read, the parent swifts will feed the chicks up and then leave them to lose a little weight until they are the correct weight for flight. They often have to find their own way to Africa, which seems incredible to me.
I spotted a few swifts overhead this morning, (28th July) so hopefully there will be a few around that our fledgling will be able to head south with.
I always feel a bit sad when they leave, but it has been a good year for them, with dry weather and plenty of insects. We hope to put up a few more boxes in and around the square, ready for next year.
Over the last few years, we have successfully encouraged an increase in the number of Swifts that visit and nest in Hartland each year by providing man-made Swift nesting boxes. This has been a great result when the numbers of Swifts both nationally and internationally are declining. Now, thanks to generous donations and a recent grant, we have been able to put up some more Swift nesting boxes and some new House Martin nest cups.
Video Footage from Nest Box Camera
Featuring a pair of swift chicks who are almost ready to fledge. The one at the front is strengthening its wings by practicing flapping.
The Swift boxes are primarily located in and around the square close to St John’s Chapel where a small colony of Swifts had existed. But as news of our success spread, many more residents have started to put them up on properties along West Street and Fore Street as well. We have a camera in one box and hope to buy another one soon. Last summer (2024) we averaged about 40 swifts in screaming parties over the village.
Now, sadly, House Martins are also on the decline and have recently been put on the red list for species at risk. As part of the grant mentioned above, we have also been able to purchase some ready-made nest cups and we have put these up in suitable places in the village and now plan to extend this focus to properties and farms outside the village as well. We are liaising with the Devon House Martin project and have submitted our records to them. Our newly erected nest cups were a tremendous success last summer with 80% occupied.
If you live in the Parish and would be interested in erecting Swift boxes or House Martin nesting cups on your house,
Please contact: swifts@hartlandnaturesociety.org.uk