Swifts nestboxes don’t require cleaning out unless other birds use them. House sparrows favour swift nestboxes and that’s great because they are a Red Listed species too and need our help! House sparrows can fill nestboxes with dried grasses and have been known to bring twine in which can entangle birds. If sparrows are nesting, it’s worth checking during the winter to ensure it’s a safe space for chick rearing.
Location
- Install as high as possible, above 4m from ground, if possible.
- A clear flight path is essential for swifts, avoiding obstacles such as trees and other buildings.
- Try to avoid direct sunlight. South facing wall is ok if nestbox is located under soffit.
- Remove loose side screws and keep safe, these hold the lid in place and allow access for future.
Installation
- If a speaker is to be fitted inside the box, cut a notch on the side, deep enough to allow for the speaker wire to enter without being trapped by the lid (approximately 2cm deep).
- Remove the two screws inside on the back of the nestbox and keep safe.
- The loose ply on the back is fixed to the wall without the nestbox. Place a spirit level on the top edge of the ply and fix securely to the wall. Two fixings suggested.
- The nestbox can then be ‘hung’ onto the fixed plywood and fixed through the back into the wall. Two fixings suggested.
- Re-attach the lid and replace the side screws.
General
- Swifts nestboxes don’t require cleaning out unless other birds use them. House sparrows favour swift nestboxes and that’s great because they are a Red Listed species too and need our help! House sparrows can fill nestboxes with dried grasses and have been known to bring twine in which can entangle birds. If sparrows are nesting, it’s worth checking during the winter to ensure it’s a safe space for chick rearing.
- Your nestbox is made from marine plywood which is hardwearing and will last many years. It will need re-weathering every so often to ensure maximum lifespan. Choose a suitable exterior grade, wildlife friendly coating.