Swifts
will nest under pantiles if there are sufficient
gaps to let them get in and out. They make their nest
either on the roofing felt below, or else on the roof
timbers. New Swift
nest places can be easily installed in pantile roofs,
even if the tiles are close fitting, and nestboxes built
to give the Swifts safe and contained nest spaces.
The
Swift nest-places should ideally be out of direct sunlight
on the shaded side of the building.
Minimum nest place dimensions
are 20cm by 35cm by 20cm high. But bigger is better!
The entrance is made using a ventilator tile, (the sort
with a pottery hood attached to the pantile - see picture
below), with the inner insect-proof mesh screen completely
removed, so the birds can gain access to their
nest.
N.B. Roof ventilation and insulation should if necessary be examined
and assured by experts before starting work. Through ventilation
benefits Swifts, who often suffer from overheated nest places.
How to install Swift nest places in pantile
roofs
Photographs © Louis-Philippe
Arnhem - SMS-Worldwide
A hooded ventilator
pantile, (see above left) with the internal insect screen
totally removed, is used as the Swifts' entrance. A
plywood box is built between the rafters behind it,
with the floor level with the entrance
so the birds have easy access. The Perspex back to the
box illustrated is for demonstration purposes only. Unless you plan to
film the Swifts, use plywood instead, but preserve the
upper air gap to ensure adequate through ventilation
and cooling on hot Summer days.
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