Why do swifts sometimes need our help?
Swifts are usually entirely self-sufficient and much prefer to be left to themselves. They can, however, get into difficulty in a number of ways: occasionally they can be injured during attempts at predation, or in flying mishaps. In bad summers with reduced numbers of insects, chicks and adults can become weak for lack of food. Chicks can also just fall out of the nest.
If you find a grounded swift, please follow the advice given in the section below, and seek specialist help from a swift rehabilitator or a vet; please don’t just throw it up in the air and hope that it will fly, because it might then injure itself even more.
Finding a grounded swift
If you do find a grounded swift, the most important thing is to ensure it’s safety by gently picking it up and placing it in a box, then closing the lid so as not to stress it.
The next step is to get in touch with an expert. Swifts are extremely tricky to care for and being insectivores, they require a special diet.
A common problem for recently rescued swifts is dehydration. You can help by stroking a wetted cotton bud around its bill, avoiding the nostrils. A small pinch of sugar or glucose in the water can also help.
Comprehensive advice can be found below:
In our local area, Folly Wildlife Rescue in Tunbridge Wells (website: https://www.follywildliferescue.org.uk/; helpline: 01892 543213) may be able to take in an injured swift. Please contact them before visiting them.