Where and when is the best time, place and weather to observe our swifts?
The main centre for swift action in Hythe is near the end of Stade Street, on the junction of South Road. Just opposite South Road is Arthur Road, where there is a little inlet in the pavement where you can stand and look up above you, towards the Waterfront and the back of Stade Court Hotel.
You can see some swifts at almost any time, but they are more likely to be around when it’s a clear calm sunny day. The peak of their activity is just before sunset after a nice hot and sunny day. Any time from about 8pm is good, right up to sunset and just beyond, which is maybe 9:30 if it’s a bright evening.
I have counted 16 in that area of the sky on a hot evening in May. Some of them will be feeding their young frantically soon, and more single swifts are likely to arrive and add to the “party” atmosphere up to the end of July. This is when they left last year. You now have until then to watch them this year.
If you see a screaming party anywhere else along our coastal towns, please let us know where and when you saw them and how many you could count. It will help us to understand their activity.
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