With public support, BirdLife Malta said that a record number of swift fledglings have been rehabilitated and released this summer.

The NGO, in a statement explained that it is providing new breeding spots through its breeding birds project, installing and monitoring nest boxes specially adapted for swifts, as well as many other species. This project is funded under the Conservation of Wild Birds Funding Scheme.

This summer, 10 swifts (both Common and Pallid) were received by BirdLife Malta after being found out of their nests by members of the public.

BLM said that the young fledglings were then cared for round-the-clock by BirdLife Malta staff and volunteers until they were strong enough to be released.A large number of injured wild birds are received every year, BLM said, and during the summer, swifts are the most common birds in need of help. This species visits the islands to nest in areas like Mdina, Sliema, St Julians and San Gwann.

The NGO explained that unlike sparrows, the parents abandon the young completely when they fall from their nest, but thanks to the support of the public, many of them are handed over to them and they then have the opportunity to take care of them, until they are able to survive alone.

“Swifts are fed constantly on the nest, so we have to be on hand ready to feed them at a moment’s notice and ensure that they will be able to fly properly, as swift fledglings start their migration to Africa immediately once they leave the nest,” said BLM.

“We spend some time after every meal letting them exercise their wings. After two to three weeks with us, the little swifts who found themselves in our care were strong enough to go back into the wild and start their journey towards Africa. We ringed and released them and will now be waiting for them to return next spring.”

BLM added that the breeding population of swifts has been increasing and spreading across the country during the last decades.

“As long as they find suitable places to nest, swifts are set to become a regular and widespread summer breeding resident in a few years,” said BLM.

BLM thanked the public for for its help in saving abandoned fledglings. Members of the public who find stranded, injured or distressed birds are kindly requested to contact BirdLife Malta on 2134 7645/6 during office hours and on 7925 5697 after office hours.

Photographs and video by BirdLife Malta

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