A swift resolution in Bandon

The new nesting sites for the migratory birds, two trebles and three doubles, were recently installed on and adjacent to McSweeney’s Quay.

The project is being delivered by Bandon Environmental Action Group (BEAG) in partnership with the West Cork branch of Birdwatch Ireland.

The aim of the installation is to increase the numbers of swifts in the air in Bandon.

According to BEAG, swift numbers have been in serious decline globally with one of the reasons being the absence of suitable nest sites due to modern building techniques.

Swifts, who can live for up to 21 years, depend largely on nooks and crannies in old buildings to breed. Outside of breeding, they spend most of their lives in the air.

The project was made possible by the cooperation of proprietors, especially McLoughlin’s Pharmacy, O’Donovan’s Family Grocer and the Bandon Methodist Church.

Those behind the project also gave thanks to Ward and Burke Construction for agreeing to install the boxes.

Now in place, the boxes are up well in time for the arrival of the visiting swifts who fly about 7,000 miles to be with us each year.

During their lifetimes, swifts will fly approximately two million miles. That’s equivalent to more than four trips to the moon and back. To make their nest they catch airborne materials like feathers, leaves, dandelion clocks and dry grass and then stick it together with their saliva.

After they leave the nest, they keep flying continuously for two-three years until they're ready to find a partner.