DCC launches Swift survey to help document ‘intriguing’ species

Dublin City Council is inviting members of the public to take part in the Dublin City Swift Survey and to learn more about this “intriguing” urban bird species.

This summer, BirdWatch Ireland will conduct a Dublin City Swift Survey on behalf of Dublin City Council Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services as an action of the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan.

Although the finding and recording of Swift nesting sites is core to the survey, BirdWatch Ireland says it will be using social media to get local communities involved in the project by recording and reporting the presence of Swifts in their areas.

According to Dublin City Council, Swifts are a “small migratory bird that visits Ireland each year to nest.

“They travel from southern Africa where they have spent over eight months of the year.

“Swifts have adapted to nesting in cavities where found in buildings in our cities, towns, and villages.

“Their future is seriously threatened in Ireland due primarily to the loss of nesting sites.

“From May to August each year you can encounter Swifts, you will usually hear Swifts before you see them, their distinctive ‘screaming’ call is uttered on the wing as they fly superbly over rooftops at high speed.

Speaking about this initiative, Lorraine Bull, biodiversity officer with Dublin City Council said: “The good news is that there is a lot that can be done to halt the decline in Dublin City’s Swift population, knowing how many Swifts there are and where they nest in the city and suburbs is the first step.

“The support and active engagement of local communities is critical to building greater awareness of this unique bird species and in undertaking conservation action where it is most needed.”