Swift?

[Beekeeper]

I may be wrong but this morning a bird flew over the garden quite fast and fairly low and it looked like a Swift, but in November? surely its far too late for Swifts to be still be around even though it is very mild.


Ian

[ChrisJB]

I would have to say that it is highly, highly unlikely at this time of year. But impossible? No. You are on the south coast as well, so if one was to be seen, I'd expect it down there.

Regards, Chris

[Picidae]

I would think a House Martin or even a Swallow would be more likely - A few Swifts can hang round until beginning of October (average dept.Aug), but House Martin/Swallows can depart from South Coast as late as 3rd week of November or a couple of weeks earlier if you're further North/Midlands.

[posie]

Hiello Ian. i hope it's ok to say this here, it is to do with wildlife being late with their activities, and that's my excuse.....Anyway, at last the hornets have gone, and the little ones can have their shelter back, thank goodness. Apologies ! ! Posie...

[pliers]

Not impossible Ian, there have been 3 sightings in November and on in December recorded previously in Northumberland. And we a lot further north than yourself, it could even have been a vagrant, for example pallid or alpine swift. Rare sighting at this time of year as stated.

[pliers]

Noted on Birdguides this morning, Swift species at 8:35 this morning in Norfolk

[Beekeeper]

Many thanks for the replies folks, for a while i thought i had imagined it.

Chris, thanks for not ruling out a sighting.

Picidae, i ruled out Swallow and House Martin due to the fact the bird was flying horizontally and as it turned in front of me i had a very good view of its underside, of course it doesn't mean it was a Swift but it certainly looked like one.

Pliars, It seems i am not alone in that case, thanks for providing that info.

Posie, will forgive you this time good to read that the Hornets have left your establishment and your little ones can keep dry at last.

Ian

[Morph]

I was told that Bird Guides reported a Swift at Northwich, Cheshire yesterday.

[david156]

RBA reported a swift species yesturday near Cley, Norfolk and a swallow in the same area today.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Perhaps these late leavers will winter in Southern Europe or North Africa? Pure speculation but I imagine with the expanding sahara natural selectionmay start to favour this approach