Nesting boxes for swifts installed

Four nesting boxes for swifts have been installed at Scoil Bhride in Kilcullen as part of a Wild Kildare initiative, writes Noel Clare of Kilcullen Community Action.

Each box is capable of housing three nesting couples. An electronic 'caller' was also installed to alert the swifts of the location of the new nesting sites. Currently the only known swifts nesting sites in Kilcullen are at the church.

It may take up to three years before the nests are occupied. Between now and then the birds will be investigating the boxes and becoming familiar with them

The boxes in Kilcullen were sponsored by Scoil Bhride, individual members of KCA and KCA itself. The total cost of the project was just under €500.

The boxes were installed by volunteer members of Wild Kildare.

Top picture is Adrienne Byrne and Noel Clare receiving the nest boxes from Wild Kildare members Shay Keddy, Eamonn Killian and Paddy Sheridan. The other picture shows the boxes in position.