I think “our” swifts have gone. I haven’t seen any all day. Nobody on our neighbourhood swift WhatsApp has either. I knew this day was coming but that doesn’t make it any easier. It feels so quiet.
This year I’ve built more of an emotional connection with our local swifts than ever, due to High Weald Swifts’ project to install new nesting sites in my area. On more than one occasion I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve shed a little tear watching them, willing them to thrive, to come back stronger next year. Gosh, I hope they have a safe journey back to Africa.
This week, I learnt a new swift-related word, thanks to Juliet Wilson and her most recent post, Animal Migrations:
The excited gatherings of Swifts at this time of year, which will be echoed later in the year by Swallows, House Martins and other species of migratory birds, is known as Zugunruhe, a German term which can be translated more or less as ‘the restlessness before a journey’.
Zugunruhe! How wonderful. There are many words I could use to describe swifts and ‘restless’ definitely feels appropriate. I will miss watching them, struggling to count them, constantly having my head turned by their screams. But I’m excited for their return in 2027. Next year they’ll have over 100 new homes to choose from.
Are there still swifts where you live? If, like me, you’re missing their screams, enjoy this video of some swifts performing beautifully near my house earlier this month…
This morning I took myself on a walk along the river where Merlin alerted me to a goldcrest peeping in the trees and a chiffchaff, who was less “chiffchaffing” and more “chaffing”. I got a lovely view of said chiffchaff, which made me squeal in a pitch that would rival the swifts’ scream. It was good to be reminded that even though the swifts have gone for one more year, there are many more birds to look out for, in more ways than one.
P.S. Tomorrow is Lammas, so make sure to eat some bread and do something lovely outside this weekend, if you can!
Why I'll be eating loads of bread today
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August 1, 2025
As someone who works freelance, at home, alone, I could (and often do) work on my own personal time zone, to my own weird schedule. I really struggle with routine, which is one of the many reasons I’m so grateful for Noushi’s existence. Walking and feeding her gives me some kind o…
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