Where will our Swifts be now? Many will be in the heart of their wintering grounds of Congo, feeding on termites and other critters above the tree canopy, in places that have never been walked by humans.

Our swifts will likely be joined by ‘eastern common swifts’ (Apus Apus pekinensis’. They will both have their stories to tell. One was born in a 1950’s pre-fab house in Yorkshire , whilst one was born in an ancient gatehouse in China (photo credit Beijing swifts)

There might also be a small number of African Black Swifts (Apus barbatus). These cousins of our swifts don’t move quite as far, they will tell the tales of being born in cliffs in South Africa or a tree hollow in Kenya (photo credit- Christopher Gilbert)

We don’t speak Apus - but what I would give to be in that flock exchange tales of distant lands, watching African Forest elephants in the clearings below. Swifts are Amazing and we need to protect them worldwide @SaveourSwifts @AfSwifts @swiftsweek