Those of us who know swifts and have installed nestboxes, appreciate it can be a game of patience awaiting the first occupancy. I’ve even heard of people taking their nestboxes down after 3 or 4 years as the suspense and frustration has tipped them over the edge! Church installations can take up to 7, 8, 10+ years to colonise…so, when I met with the Swift Champions for Exeter Cathedral this summer to explain the monitoring process, I was left speechless, mid-flow, swift speak (never before witnessed for those who’ve endured my waffle!). Whilst stood in front of the South Tower, a few of us saw a swift enter the louvres on the south elevation, and stay inside!!!!!!! A completely unexpected event for me as it’s the first full season and there really isn’t a large population of swifts associated with the area. I parted company with the Swift Champions and ventured off to survey the towers at St. Stephen’s and St. Petrock’s, nearby (see here – Exeter City installations.). There were no signs of activity at either towers and the swift callers were working well. At this point, I normally head home, or off to another church…..but I couldn’t help myself from heading back over to the Cathedral. I set up with my phone in hand and over 2 hours later (sore neck and wrist…hovering over the iphone camera button), saw this…(apologies for quality!)
A few days later, Vivien of Chulmleigh Swifts told me that she saw swifts entering the tower of St. Stephen’s! I was shopping in Exeter with the family a week or so later (normally my least favourite activity, suddenly became enjoyable!) and saw a party of 8 swifts above the South Tower of the Cathedral. The most I’ve ever seen in the City Centre.
Thanks again to Lis Spencer, Chris Sampson, and the Exeter Cathedral Swift Champions.