I used to live in Brixton . Swifts careering high in the sky in central Brixton is a sight to behold. No one seemed to be looking up where it was all happening. Now I know via Facebook groups there are many swift lovers in Lambeth, Lewisham and all the London boroughs , all trying desperately to support our precious birds . They used to swoop and swerve round the network of Victorian terraces as I made my way home early evening, igniting joy within me with every step !
Yes the only two areas of Brixton I see screaming parties in are the Dulwich Road alongside Brockwell Park and Ferndale Road. Must be some nests along those roads.
I used to see them regularly Near Elm Park junction with Medora Road and by the old Grammar School. And in the skies above the town hall and the Ritzy cinema. Also Dulwich Park occasionally. That was a few years ago now. I wonder if any nest in the eves of st Matthew’s church and also the town hall .
Also - French radio programmes about visiting sites of interest ('Suivez le guide' for example) recorded in summer have a very particular soundtrack of screaming swifts and crunching gravel as in the gravel in château courtyards.
No sign yet in the north of Scotland. Here in malt whisky country the swifts hold their screaming parties around distillery warehouses.
Big pro-Swift community at the other end of the Victoria line where I live in Walthamstow too. Great article!
Thanks Thomas!
I used to live in Brixton . Swifts careering high in the sky in central Brixton is a sight to behold. No one seemed to be looking up where it was all happening. Now I know via Facebook groups there are many swift lovers in Lambeth, Lewisham and all the London boroughs , all trying desperately to support our precious birds . They used to swoop and swerve round the network of Victorian terraces as I made my way home early evening, igniting joy within me with every step !
Yes the only two areas of Brixton I see screaming parties in are the Dulwich Road alongside Brockwell Park and Ferndale Road. Must be some nests along those roads.
I used to see them regularly Near Elm Park junction with Medora Road and by the old Grammar School. And in the skies above the town hall and the Ritzy cinema. Also Dulwich Park occasionally. That was a few years ago now. I wonder if any nest in the eves of st Matthew’s church and also the town hall .
My flat overlooks Windrush Square and the church but I can’t recall seeing them, Geraldine. I’ll keep an eye this summer.
I miss the Essex swifts too... just leaving the house and getting no further than the front step because of the amazing performance above us.
Don’t get me started. I’m already welling up…
Also - French radio programmes about visiting sites of interest ('Suivez le guide' for example) recorded in summer have a very particular soundtrack of screaming swifts and crunching gravel as in the gravel in château courtyards.
Yes all very redolent of the ‘ambiance’ of France. Thank you Linda.