They are a Wild Bunch in Cavan

In the first of a series of Swift project blogs we are over to county Cavan to see how the students and staff at Scoil Bhríde Killeshandra are progressing with their school swift project. 

For those not familiar with the place, Killeshandra is a small town situated to the northwest of Cavan town and is right in the heartland of the lakes of Cavan. 

Putting Killeshandra on the map Google Maps

Last year the newly formed "Wild Bunch"  got plans underway to attract nesting Swifts to their primary school and there has been super progress so far!

Newly Installed Swift Boxes 

Over to Bridie and Siobhán for the update.(thanks to both for words and photos)

Following consultation with Brian Caffrey of Birdwatch Ireland and on his recommendations we installed four swift boxes up on the side of the school – north east facing. One has a camera installed and connected to a classroom. We have a CD playing "swift calls" hooked up to an amplifier which entices them to the box.  We have had numerous sightings of swifts around the school and last weekend there was some nesting materials left in the nest box, however there has been no more activity as yet. 

Close up of Swift "Woodcrete" box (left), wooden box and amplifier unit (right)

We have a Committee set up called the "Wild Bunch" who is keeping an eye on the bird boxes for nesting progress and maintaining the garden.  

"Wild Bunch" members out on a campus Swift patrol 

The project was part funded by Cavan County Council - Local Agenda 21 and local fundraising. 

Many thanks
Bridie and Siobhán  

We were absolutely delighted to hear about how well the project has progressed. Fingers crossed that Swifts will find and occupy the specialised swift boxes this season but it can be a long game when it comes to this species and it may take many more seasons before we see tenants at Scoil Bhríde, Killeshandra. 

We are standing by to hear if this year will produce the goods in Co Cavan.

For more information on Swifts and how to help them have a look at our Swift Project Web Pages.

Anticipating Arrivals

As April passes we impatiently await the arrival of one of Ireland’s iconic summer visitors. The Common Swift arrives to Ireland in early May. The first annual record often comes in on May 1st so we will have our eyes and ears poised this May Bank Holiday Weekend. After wintering in tropical Africa they come to Ireland to breed over the months of May, June and July, a short visit before heading south again living life in an endless summer. In Ireland Swifts find mild weather, ample insect food and nesting places, the perfect combination for these amazing birds.

Common Swifts Pauline Skoczylas

But it’s not all just a holiday for the Swift, over the past 40 years in Ireland we have seen a 25% decrease in their breeding abundance. With all that said we haven’t abandoned the Swift and Birdwatch Ireland together with many community groups and partners are fighting in the Swifts corner, making efforts to secure a future for Swifts here in Ireland.

BirdWatch Ireland Swift Video YouTube

Our blog will touch on all things Swifts over the summer months and will highlight many of the community conservation projects taking place across the country with a myriad of guest blogs planned.

Check out some of the upcoming Swift Events below and make sure to watch our YouTube video above on Swifts in Ireland.

2016 Swift Events

For more information on BirdWatch Ireland and our Swift Conservation Project click here.