On 17th June, a group of Swift enthusiasts did a "Swift Walk" around Taffs Well. Few Swifts have been seen in the village this year however we were lucky to catch sight of 8 birds flying at height over the Taff. Plans are afoot to install some boxes in the village
Following some vandalism to the old noticeboard, we have had a replacement produced by Cardiff firm, Morgans Consult. We took the opportunity to update the information and managed to include the new Glamorgan Bird Club and RSPB logos.
We've been busy over the winter. Our links with housing associations has borne fruit. As well as Merthyr Valley Homes, we have set up nest box schemes with both Newydd Housing and Valleys to Coast Housing. Another church has come on board with boxes delivered to St Mary Church near Cowbridge.
Pictured are reps from Newydd Housing and Alan Rosney from Glamorgan Bird Club at the development in Barry, where 9 boxes are to be erected.
We've got two new nest box schemes in the pipeline. Firstly, we have been in contact with MV Homes in Merthyr and they are keen to erect some Swift boxes on some of their properties. Howard Driver has built some boxes which will be delivered soon.
Today (17th May), the pupils of Ninian Park School visited the Swift tower. They learned a lot about Swifts; their migration, where they nest, how fast they fly etc etc. An enjoyable day was had by all and the pupils rounded it off with a boat trip around the bay.
We are due to have a repeat performance tomorrow.
Sadly we weren't allowed to take pictures.
The Swift project goes on apace. We held our Heritage Lottery funded “Welcome back the Swifts” event on the Cardiff Bay barrage on 14th May. Luckily the day was fine and we were able to set up our stall near the Swift tower. Some Swifts were spotted early on but as temperatures rose there were fewer sightings. Over a hundred folk came seeking information and advice about how to help our Swifts. Sadly the Swift Champion from the Senedd. Jenny Rathbone was unable to attend but Cardiff Councillor Bob Derbyshire, a keen advocate for wildlife, did come along and met some of the team.
RSPB Cymru put on some activities for children and many happy youngsters went away with a model Swift on a stick and a pin badge. Two guided walks were undertaken with Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Linnet and Goldfinch of note. The main interest however was the Sand Martins that are nesting close to the tower. Some lucky observers saw Red Kite, Wheatear, Peregrine and Rock Pipit too. Many thanks to all who supported the event.
