swifts and cuckoos

[rockfordill]

Have heard from Springwatch and others that both above are down in numbers this year - well I am delighted to say that this is not so up in the Surrey Hills

We are fortunate to have swifts nesting in our roof and this year we have 6 good nests, admittedly they were a little late getting back form Africa - strong north winds, ash clouds etc but they made it and are nesting fine

also we have an abundance of cuckoos and they are still calling as of today - that may mean that they cannot find mates - but its not for want of calling

Finally how does Kate Humble get away with saying that magpies have no affect on the song bird population - she should come up here and see a magpie predating a hedge - its gruesome

[boxtops]

Our swifts are back, they arrived as ever around May 12, usually stay until early Sept is the weather is OK. We have 4 at the moment, usually end up with about 14 by the time they leave again.
We have magpies too, there are plenty living round here but thankfully the wrens abd bluetits are still there, and there are more balckbirds than in previous years.
Our Main Bird is still the pesky Herring Gull....

[rockfordill]

Hi boxtops - usually see you on quizzes and puzzles
you must be near the coast with herring gulls
the swifts are an amazing bird to watch are they not - zooming and screaming around the house like spitfires ! We have about 7 now and should end up with 14+ I hope
J

[BIGDOGY]

Never seen a Swift, but have Swallows in scores! Got a Magpie nesting in the garden, really amusing to watch it see of the cats.