Over the next few months, we will be running a series of articles celebrating people who are making a difference for wildlife in their local area. To kick off, we chatted to Shane Moore who has provided nesting space on his home, for the critically endangered Swift.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Shane Moore. I live in Blanchardstown, Dublin. I work as an engineering surveyor on public transport projects in the Dublin area. I have a keen interest in gardening and aviation.
Shane Moore.
Can you tell us what it is you have done for Swifts?
In 2019, I set up an internal Swift nest box with a nest camera on the gable of my house. I started playing attraction calls and to my surprise, a pair of Swifts took an interest after just a week. They visited the box, on and off over the summer. They returned in 2020 and built a nest.
On returning in 2021, they started nesting and raised a single chick. They have raised a total of six chicks since then. In 2022 the colony was expanded to five internal boxes and two external boxes. Last year, a second pair occupied a box and built a nest. After a very late arrival this year, both pairs have started to lay eggs.
Cameras in the nest boxes have allowed Shane to document the lives of these Swifts. (Shane Moore).
Cameras in the nest boxes have allowed Shane to document the lives of these Swifts. (Shane Moore).Internally built nest boxes. (Shane Moore).
Internally built nest boxes. (Shane Moore).The inside of one of the internally built nest boxes. Note the circular hollow in the centre of the box. This is a nest cup, into which eggs are laid, preventing the eggs from rolling and getting damaged and or lost. (Shane Moore).
The inside of one of the internally built nest boxes. Note the circular hollow in the centre of the box. This is a nest cup, into which eggs are laid, preventing the eggs from rolling and getting damaged and or lost. (Shane Moore).
Where does your interest in wildlife and Swifts in particular, come from?
Like many, I grew up watching and being fascinated by David Attenborough wildlife shows. Also, with an interest in gardening, I think an interest in wildlife naturally comes and I try to add as many wildlife friendly aspects to my garden as I can. When I was younger, I bred canaries and Australian grass finches. So, I have always had an interest in birds. Swifts are such a unique species, you can’t but be impressed.
Swift chick. Swift chicks have white around the gape (bill) and white edging on the feathers. The white around the gape helps direct the parents towards the mouths of the chicks as they enter the dark nest. (Catherine Casey).
Why have you decided to help Swifts in this way?
When you learn about their lifecycle, you can see how they are particularly vulnerable. A long period until they reach breeding maturity, collapsing insect populations, unpredictable weather conditions on their migration routes and nest site loyalty combined with the drive for airtight, well insulated buildings have all combined to make life quite difficult for them.
Can you tell us about your favourite moment or a stand-out moment from your Swift project?
I think originally seeing the first visits to the box on camera is a standout moment but also seeing the first egg hatch and the chick eventually fledge. Checking the cameras every evening in the first weeks of May, to see if they have returned is also a favourite.
Swift in a nest box. Both parents incubate the eggs and chicks. (Shane Moore).
Swift in a nest box. Both parents incubate the eggs and chicks. (Shane Moore).Slope-roofed Swift nest boxes.
Slope-roofed Swift nest boxes.
What would you say to anyone thinking of installing Swift nest boxes/bricks?
Go for it! But get help and be careful if working at heights. Then, be patient and don’t give up. For me, it was sheer luck that birds took up residence after a week. It could take several years, but it is so rewarding when they do. Unfortunately, it is only for four months of the year, so you will have to find ways to occupy yourself for the other eight.
If you are interested in installing Swift nest boxes or bricks, and would like more information, please contact swifts@birdwatchireland.ie and we will be happy to advise you.
