Swifts and Us

Swifts live almost entirely in the air. They eat, drink, sleep, mate and gather their nesting materials on the wing, fly thousands of miles across the world, navigating their way around storms, never lighting on tree, cliff or ground, until they return home with the summer.

Sarah Gibson has written a fascinating story of discovery, exploring what is known about these mysterious birds, their ancient ancestry and how they have been regarded through history. But the swifts are in real danger: often unintentionally, we are sealing our homes against wildlife of any kind. Cracks, gaps and crevices which for thousands of years have offered nesting space in buildings, are being closed off, while new housing rarely offers entry holes for nesting birds. Loss of breeding places is considered to be a significant factor in the steep decline of these birds over the last twenty years.

Thankfully, there are people in the UK and across Europe striving to ensure a future for swifts. Their actions and stories are woven into the narrative, demonstrating how change is brought about by passionate, determined individuals, whose actions show that everyone can do something to keep these superb birds screaming through our skies.

Reviews

‘The moving tale of this ancient, mysterious bird’ RSPB’s Nature’s Home

‘lf you love swifts, this is the book for you. It's full of facts not likely to be found elsewhere.’ John Miles, Birdwatching magazine

‘[Swifts and Us] is an excellent introduction to our current state of knowledge of the European Swift and its interactions with people.’ British Ornithologists’ Union

About the author

Sarah Gibson worked in the conservation sector for over twenty years, soaking up knowledge of nature in all its wondrous variety. When she moved into a town and discovered swifts, she was swept off her feet by the story of their extraordinary, aerial existence. ‘Their lives are utterly different from ours and yet we live under the same roof in summer. I hoped that by writing a book about swifts I could inspire more people to take action to help them.’