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Dear All, Apr 24, 2012
This recent traffic re Swift population decline has prompted me to ask
1) whether a decrease in suitable nesting sites may not be a (or perhaps
the) key factor and
2) whether effective action is being taken to assure ample nesting sites.
Based on a quick internet search and a memory that spans 75 years the
answers are (1) yes and 2) no.
All of the preferred nesting sites have been decreasing for 70+ years;
e.g. hollow trees, unlined chimneys with rough mortar and abandoned or
seldom used sheds/outbuildings with holes for access. Communal roosts don't
count because these don't have nests; convenient for counting numbers but
not convenient for prospective breeding pairs.
For example, many houses in NS, in outlying areas, were abandoned in the
early 1900s and these would have had unlined chimneys. They are long gone
and when houses are abandoned now the chimneys will likely have metal liners
or at least tile liners.
This situation reminds me of the irate parent who says to his child "Do
you know how many times that rabbit of yours would have died if I hadn't
taken care of it" and the kid replies "Once".
And in like vein, how many essential resources must decline to account
for Swift decline ? In my view, one is enough.
And in my view, the time to remedy this deficiency is long overdue.
Yours truly, Dave Webster, Kentville
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