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Swifts and Us

The Life of the Bird that Sleeps in the Sky

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About this listen

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.

 Animals Biological Sciences Endangered Species Environment Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Conservation Endangered Animals

Critic 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

All stars
Most relevant
I'll start by declaring an interest as a swift researcher who obviously already loves swifts. However, Gibson's individual stories about different species of swift as she followed the (often groundbreaking) work of determined swift researchers and conservationists around much of Europe, have come together as a compelling testimony for the need to continue such work. Although mainly written for a lay audience, which I agree needs to learn about the wonders of these most aerial of birds, it still made for an enjoyable read (listen) to a scientist. No complaints about the narration.

Well written stories of people's love for swifts!

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As a birder for many years, ask anyone that knows me will know that our humble summer visiting Common Swift is in my top five British Birds and when they leave it’s always tinged with sadness, seeing the first of the year I always exclaim “I have survived another year to see them” to whoever I am with.

This book is very well researched by the author who’s obsession with Swifts comes through coupled with extensive knowledge, from fledging right through to care for sick or injured birds.

The narrator grew on me and the book was read well and the excitement of the author seeing her first, Little Swift albeit briefly, left me gripped as I was not there looking.

Well done Sarah, some amazing Swift facts there and after over thirty years a birder did not know!

Maybe a follow up on Needletail’s next please!

Martyn Yapp

The magic of the Swift

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A brilliantly written, Sarah Gibson is a powerful advocate for the truly wondrous Swift. She describes a small bird, spending most of its life on the wing, providing a background and outlines threats and pressures impacting it. A fantastically inspiring read that will leave you enthused and ready to do all you can for this fast declining species.

Swiftastic

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I’m so grateful that this book is on Audible. I’m involved with Swift work in my local area and there are a number of books out on Swifts that I wanted to read but health issues make reading a problem for me so I was delighted to find this one was available on Audible. And it is so good. Absolutely packed with really thorough and well researched information, facts, experiences and passion. I really appreciated her time spent with some of the top swift people in the UK and Ireland. It was very inspiring and helpful to find out some of the history. For anyone interested in swifts, I can’t recommend this book more.

Excellent and thoroughly researched book

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I love swifts and I love this book. Sarah is so passionate about these birds and her enthusiasm really comes across. The narrator suited the book very well too. I'll definitely listen to it again. Probably when the swifts return in my street in May next year.

Lovely book

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