Ian has provided this latest update on life in the swifts’ nesting boxes:
Three chicks have hatched in box 1. See clip above..
All four boxes are now fully occupied. There is no camera in box 4 but I have seen a swift entering the box and a nest was built last year.
I think one of the pair that built a nest in box 2 last year failed to return. A lone bird returned on 19 May and waited for many days alone. Then on 1 June another swift rather tentatively followed the occupant into the box. At first it just poked its head in for a little while to check if it was welcome. It committed when it seemed very welcome. They have now stayed together.
Two eggs have been laid in box 3 in the last day or two. Picture at left.