Bridgend

I had a cycle around town this evening and noted Swifts at three locations:

- Bridgend College, where maximum of nine around the complex.
- Near the railway station (Court Road/Station Hill), where six seen.
- In the area between Quarella Road and Cemetery Road, north of the town centre, where at least five.

I will try to revisit these areas in a couple of weeks to see if I can locate any nests.

Training event - Llantwit Major

There were nine participants for our training event in Llantwit Major. The weather was good and we immediately saw several Swifts over the town. Initially there were three or four Swifts seen but numbers built up to seven or eight. We concentrated on the older buildings in the town centre, eventually locating one nest site in the Old School building. Other birds seemed to be favouring the area around the church tower, although we couldn't find specific nest sites.

There is obviously a small colony here. As a result we decided to set up a nest box scheme (with the help of local resident, Gareth Roberts). Three boxes were presented and a call system will be purchased.

The following photos show the nest site that we found and some of the participants in the training event. Many thanks to all those who took part.

 

 

 

Radio Wales interviews

Paul Seligman managed to extract the interviews from the Country Focus programme, aired on 15th May. You can access it by clicking the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gis3gigwsi3y9d0/CountryFocus-20160515-SayCheeseTheCurlewWalkAndSavingSwifts%20GBC.mp3?dl=0

Training event

We've decided to go for Thursday 26th in Llantwit Major. Meet in the Old Swan at 7.30 p.m.

Training event

The Swifts are back. It is time to get out surveying. We have planned an evening training event to help participants identify Swift nest sites. It  will be very weather dependent, so we need to set aside a few dates. Initially we have set aside the 24th, 26th, 31st May and 2nd June in the Llantwit Major/Cowbridge area. Please keep an eye on your e-mails, as we'll need to confirm much closer to the chosen date. Hope you are able to come along.

Radio Wales

Radio Wales interviewed some of the pupils from Bedwas Junior School today for the Country Focus programme. (to be broadcast on Sunday 15th May at 7 a.m.). As luck would have it, eight Swifts were screaming overhead as the interviews were taking place. They appear to have returned to their nest sites.

Penarth

There were 4 Swift circling high over Penarth town centre this afternoon so time perhaps watch out at your locations for activity.