The common swift or gabhlán gaoithe (Apus apus) is an extraordinary bird: despite being only slightly larger than a swallow, it is one of the fastest birds in the world and is known for annual long-distance migrations between feeding grounds in Africa and summer breeding grounds across Europe. Some of these breeding sites are in Ireland, where Irish swifts return every year to breed and raise chicks, usually in the exact same nesting site and with the same long-term mate. Modern swifts mostly depend on small crevices in buildings for nesting sites, which are one of the first targets during building modernisation and repair, often carried out by people who have no idea that they are blocking established nests.

Fingal County Council has teamed up with BirdWatch Ireland to carry out a swift survey in Fingal, so that we can find out where these birds nest and take measures to protect their nesting sites without interfering with building improvement works. Join swift surveyor Belle Carbeck to hear about her ongoing work, where she has found swifts in Fingal, and how to support the conservation of these birds as part of Ireland's biodiversity and natural heritage.