Bolton And Bury Swifts

18/06/2026

Mart & Martha now have 3 precious hatchlings but received a surprise visitor to the yesterday afternoon. A non-breeding, Swift got a bit too curious about their nest box, got inside and couldn't seem to find the door to leave. After a short scuffle and a telling off from Martha order was resumed. The tiny swiftlets froze but didnt seem to be in danger. Two prospecting outside again this am, clinging to all the boxes introducing themselves to the colony. Follow our tiny chicks journey, they have just 6 weeks to grow their scythe like wings before starting their African migration. https://www.youtube.com/live/eAaBgV2kgro?is=_r7Xl5G9bn7pqQPS RSPB

16/06/2026

0503 hours today - 3 days later than its sibling, Mart & Martha's 3rd Swiftlet breaks into the world. Just in time to benefit from some long awaited warmer weather & ample availability of flying bugs! Watch their progress; livestream https://www.youtube.com/live/eAaBgV2kgro?is=B97BR8qYtD6UHXyB

15/06/2026

***Protection of existing colonies is probably THE BEST THING we can do, to save Swifts!*** Many colonies are found on social housing. Please can you help by sharing this brilliant new flyer by S Brick - Action for Swifts with Housing Associations in your area? "SWIFTS & BUILDING WORKS - A Guide for Housing Associations."
PDF version avail. from Action for Swifts or [email protected]

15/06/2026

Our friends are featured on Landward...BBC Scotland - Landward, 2026, Episode 11 https://share.google/jFCt9pbILtIQaUigt 11.27 minutes in. This brilliant programme just got better! 💚

13/06/2026

Mart & Martha are parents! 1st egg hatched two days early, just before 1521 train to passed! 😁 RSPB Swift Nest Cam.

13/06/2026

Delighted to discover several Action for Swifts Swift Bricks on a new local development. Also planned are and a Thank you Taylor Wimpey for your commitment to helping nature in and . No reason why all developments can't incorporate small spaces for wildlife that make all the difference. It looks a super place to live & hopefully the new residents will embrace doing their bit for nature on their doorstep.

12/06/2026

There are almost 100 events happening to celebrate the upcoming 2026. Hosted by independent Swift Groups across the UK!
We are hosting a Swift Watch Evening on Saturday 20th June at a private garden in Bradshaw, Bolton; where there are now 23 pairs of Swifts. So if the weather is right we can expect some spectacular Swift action! 🙏🏼
Booking essential; email [email protected]

Join the flight and get involved this Swift Awareness Week. Discover when events are happening, Swift Mapper tips and how you can support Swift conservation.

10/06/2026

"It's only me hun, thanks for keeping the eggs warm!" Mart & Martha are eggspecting ! The first of three 🥚 🥚🥚due to hatch from Monday. Watch their journey on YouTube... https://www.youtube.com/live/eAaBgV2kgro?si=v5NiwVV-vdqyEX8D

10/06/2026

There has been much excitement in the NEST CUP BOX household.

5 years ago sparrows attacked our House Martins and they left

I have done absolutely everything I could to attract them back again (including making my own cups and turning it into a business) and have had no interest until last weekend

I played a new set of calls and within 5 minutes there were three or four pairs zooming around

One of those pairs has stayed and I finally feel confident they are staying!!

I can't tell you just how brilliant it is to have them here again. There may have been a few tears!!

Welcome home!!

Edit:

Lots of people asking about the calls

Barbara Trinilea Polonara found a set of calls from a Belgian HM researcher and conservationist, Charles Carels. We are lucky enough to have Charles on board at House Martin Conservation UK & Ireland. More details on the call soon we are just working out how best to share. We also have another very successful call from Claas Frankena.

We will create a link and make them available as we can't wait to see if others have success too!!

09/06/2026

I love this time of year, when given the right weather, you can have Swifts screaming overhead accompanied by the beautiful songs of Blackbirds, Blackcaps, Dunnocks, etc plus the bubbly chattering song of Swallows and Martins.

Take part in our brand new Birds in Greenspaces survey for a day ➡️ https://www.bto.org/greenspaces 🐦

We’re encouraging everyone to sign up, download the app and give it a go. 🦢

On the day all you have to do is explore your local greenspace, which could be a park, football pitch or cemetery and record the birds that you see or hear. 🌳