To wonder where all my swifts are?

[Giggorata]

I have had three swift boxes up for about ten years, all occupied every summer.
This year, I have put up five more on the other side of the house.
Only…
Nothing.

I saw a few circling about two weeks ago but since then I am not seeing them or hearing them.
No screams, no nests.
I am beyond disappointed. 😞

I know these amazing birds are in decline, through loss of insects and loss of suitable habitats. (That's why my garden is ahem! a conservation area, and why I have bought all these bloody boxes)

Anyone else missing their swifts this year? Or better, please reassure me and tell me you've got loads 🤞

Have they been in the old ones.
The new ones you have put up might be in the wrong direction.

We have blue tits that come in our box but won't go in next doors.

Weather thing? Perhaps it's too early. I think it's been quite cool for this time of year.

No, my usual tenants haven't been in the old boxes and there aren't any swifts flying around in the village at dusk. 😞

Sadly haven't seen or heard any this year. Numbers were highest in 2009/2010 but decreasing ever since.

We've had loads the last few years (east coast). Hardly any this year. And sadly, we found one dead in our garden the other week.

We have two nests in our garage! Whooping in and out, practically taking my eye out every time I go in. There are there every year, normally only one nest, but two this year. Poo everywhere

Maybe they’re not here yet? Something’s held them up? My dad has swallows and they’ve not arrived yet. I hope they come soon, I love those guys.

We lost all ours around 2011. They used to nest in our porch. I have some lovely photos. I've seen some nests nearby but not lately

It’s so bloody sad, and not enough people care :(

I’m missing my swallows. They’re normally here by now but, so far, not a one.

As you say numbers are declining, we've had about 4 swifts for the past few years flying around us (west London) and this year there are two. No swallows at all for several years. The RSPB have a survey going on where you can record sightings/nests, but it is sad not to hear them overhead.

Are you sure they're swifts? I thought swifts didn't make a mess. Swallows maybe?

Swifts have been back in London for the past couple of weeks, although I haven't seen them for a few days. Perhaps the cooler weather is affecting insect life/feeding grounds and they've wandered off until it gets warmer.

Where in the country is everyone else? Have you had a lot of rain recently? It might have delayed their return to their nesting sites.

We haven't had 'our' swallows for a few years - perhaps 3 or 4. Delighted to say they came into the barn yesterday so looks like we will have new swallows here. No swifts yet. Have kept the muddy patch well watered.

I think lots of people do care, but don’t know what they can do about it.

We haven't had any yet either

We have lots of nests along the north and west side of the house but nothing yet

We've lived here for 15 years and this is the first year we haven't had any

I have seen a couple of house martins but we normally have several nests of them. In fact one has been taken over by some wrens who are really sweet, but it's right next to our main door.

I read somewhere that nets are being used (in France?) and lots of migratory birds are being caught in them. I really hope that's not the case as I love my house martins, especially when they "chat" to me.