BIRD spotters are being asked to keep an eye out for swooping swifts as part of a local study. The Kendal Support Group of Cumbria Wildlife Trust is carrying out a survey of nesting sites in the town and is looking for the help of residents.

The conservationists want people to note sightings of the birds, which will eventually be plotted on a map to create a snapshot of the local swift population.

Although the graceful birds have been seen in good numbers around Kendal the wildlife group are concerned that the swifts' favourite nesting sites eaves of old farm buildings and church towers - are disappearing.

The group fears that as such sites become hot property for developers, and the birds find themselves evicted from nesting spots, they will cease to return to the town.

Colin Norman, Honorary Secretary of the Kendal Support Group, said: "Swifts are a welcome sign of summer. They like to make use of old buildings for their nests.

"We are concerned that as old buildings are renovated or knocked down, swift nest sights could be lost but at the moment we have very little idea of which buildings around Kendal swifts are using."

Mr Norman added the group wanted to encourage people to build nest boxes into new buildings to ensure that the long-distance flyers continue to return from their South African holidays.

Survey forms to log swift sightings will be available from Kendal retailers, Kendal Tourist Information Centre, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust offices at Plumgarths, Kendal. Forms can also be obtained by logging on to http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Swift factfile:

- THE Latin name for the swift is apus apus

- The Swift is a common summer visitor everywhere except in the far north and west Scotland.

- It breeds almost exclusively in buildings in towns and villages, but travels long distances to feed and can then be found almost anywhere.

- It is an adept flier and is all dark except for a whitish chin. In flight, the swift is easily identified by its characteristic scythe-shaped wings, and it's screaming calls.

- Unlike swallows and martins, the swift never lands on ground or perches on wires and spends almost all its life on the wing.

- Swifts are on average 16-17cm long.

May 29, 2003 15:00