The swifts in Ballydehob are already getting ready for their trip to their homeland Africa. An impressive Swift Walk, led by Dr. James O’Neill, Ornithologist at University College Cork happened on Thursday 23th. It was organised by Damaris Lysaght and Ian Hardy of Ballydehob Swift Group in cooperation with Ballydehob Tidy Towns. A group of about 25 interested people watched as the young birds showed off their flying skills in the sky.
Dr. James O’Neill explained that after leaving their nests swifts stay in the air for up to four years until they eventually touch down for the first time to land in their nests. While one half of the brain sleeps, the other focuses on flying, and they switch sides back and forth. Food and the necessary moisture are taken in during flight. Ballydehob Tidy Towns together with Birdwatch and other groups, would like to preserve these birds and secure the future of the breeding colony by providing additional nesting sites for more breeding pairs
If you would like to help survey swifts in Ballydehob, you can message Ian mob. 086 068 0955, to add you to the Ballydehob Swift Group in WhatsApp.
