03/06/2024
Take action detailed in the attached if you find a grounded swift. I’m sure even if you’re not in Leeds, they will help over the phone or point you to nearest specialist rescue. 🖤✔️
FOUND A GROUNDED SWIFT? HERE'S HOW TO HELP SAVE IT.
1. NEVER 'launch' a grounded Swift in the air
2. Bring the Swift indoors. House in a deep plastic container, or a ventilated shoe box, lined with a folded tea towel. Keep the swift in a quiet room.
3. NEVER feed it (see below)
4. REHYDRATE carefully by placing a damp cotton wool bud to the side of the Swift's beak. Take care to avoid the nostrils and don’t try to open the beak as they break easily.
5. CALL US without delay on 07778 768719.
We may be dealing with another call so leave a voicemail message and we'll respond quickly.
Alternatively, if you're in the Leeds area you can send a photo and a message to the number above via WhatsApp, including your name and location.
To help us to respond quickly and efficiently we ask for phone calls and WhatsApp messages only rather than email, Facebook or Messenger. It's very hard to manage messages from multiple sources when we're hand-feeding every hour.
If you’re not in Leeds, contact Swift & Swallow SOS- Coordinating Rescues & Supporting Finders to find a rehabber or browse the list of rehabbers on https://www.swift-conservation.org/SwiftFirstAid.htm
WHY DO SWIFTS BECOME GROUNDED?
Adult Swifts can become grounded when repeatedly trying to gain access to blocked nest sites; if fights occur at nest sites or if they are tired and underweight due to poor weather conditions. Later in the season, chicks often fall out of the nest if they get too warm, too hungry during cold weather or simply if they start to move around to exercise their wings. All grounded Swifts need urgent specialist care.
Swift chicks stay in the nest for a remarkable 40-45 days depending on the abundance of insects. They are not able to fly until their wings measure 16-17cm and extend about 3.5cm beyond their tail. They then they make their way to Africa, unaided, without ever perching. In fact, after fledging, a Swift might not land again for 2-3 years. This highly developed aerial specialist needs an insectivorous diet to survive. If you find a grounded swift please follow the instructions above.
Do not throw it into the air under any circumstances and never leave a bird out in the sun. Ignore any differing advice about baby birds given by wildlife organisations or vets.
Make sure that you have correctly identified the bird. We can help with this.
Please do not feed the bird, no matter how much it begs. Grounded Swifts are generally dehydrated and emaciated and can die if they are fed in this condition. Under no circumstances must you feed meat, dried mealworms or seed. A Swift is an entirely insectivorous bird.
Please do not put a Swift in a cage. A Swift cannot perch and the bars on a cage will irreparably damage its long flight feathers.
Hopefully we can provide the help it needs as quickly as possible.
We thank you in advance for helping us to help your Swift
