One consequence of heatwaves is that young Swifts often become
unbearably hot in their nests and are forced to jump out before they can
fly, to seek cooler air. In recent weeks, many have been found on the
ground in the York area. It is nigh on impossible to get these back into
their nests - often householders don't know where they have come from,
or the nest is inaccessible.
The lucky ones get picked up
before the local cats etc get them and are taken to a local person who
can look after them until fledging. In York, we are lucky to have Hannah
Tate (a local vet) and her husband Adam in Fulford, who have been doing this job
voluntarily for a few years now. I went to visit them last night - she
currently is looking after 18 young Swifts! This is an unenviable task,
requiring hourly feeding from dawn til dusk. The cost of food - crickets
and waxworms is quite a lot for those hungry mouths so I made a
donation from the York Swifts project to help cover some of their costs.
So,
why am I telling you this? Well, firstly to be aware that if you come
across a grounded adult or young Swift in the York area, they can be helped, so please
rescue, put in a box and drop me a line and I can then arrange for it to
be collected and taken to Hannah. Hannah is not in a position to take
fledglings of other species - and they are usually best left alone
anyway.
Secondly, if you want to support her
efforts with a small donation to help cover the costs of the food etc, I
am sure she would be delighted - click link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/yorkswifts2025
Lastly, if
you are in the York area and would like to consider becoming a Swift rehabber, I am sure Hannah
would be pleased to train you up. There is a lot of info and support
available, but be aware it is a big commitment of time.
Please drop me a line directly - jonoleadley@gmail.com - if you have any thoughts or wish to help.
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