Peterborough Bird Club annual report Swift Apus apus | A | Common 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common. The first bird of the year was a single at RSPB Nene Washes on 20 Apr (SG), with the main arrival from 27 Apr onwards. Sizable flocks were noted in late April, with 200 on the Nene Washes on 29 Apr reminiscent of mid-May (JT). Other large flocks included 400 at Deeping Lakes NR on 19 May (WB). On 25 July 1,135 were seen to pass over Farcet Fen in 1 hour 50 minutes (SPD). The last record was of a single at Deeping St James on 14 Sep (RB). The number of breeding colonies in the area has appeared to decline over the last few years; however in 2003, reports of successful breeding came from Elton, Fletton, Langtoft and Whittlesey.
2002	Common. The first record was of a single on the Nene Washes on 25 Apr (CK) followed by a further two at Ferry Meadows CP on 27 Apr (MJW) with the main arrival from 4 May onwards. Notable counts included 300-400 at Ferry Meadows CP on 14 May, 150 at Deeping Lakes NR on 3 Jun and ‘several thousand’ over Fletton and Hampton on 25 May. Breeding records were received from Eastgate and Church Walk in Peterborough. The last record was of a single bird at Deeping Lakes NR on 19 Sep (WB).
2001	Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. One at Ferry Meadows CP (SPD) and another at the Nene Washes (RSPB) on 25 Apr, a typical first record date, kicked off a steady stream of late Apr records with parties of up to 18. The first large arrival occurred with 250 at the Nene Washes 1 May (RSPB). A further movement was noted 18–19 May with 146+ over Deeping Lakes NR (TW), 100 over Bainton GP (AD) and 250 at the Nene Washes (RSPB). Large flocks over the Nene Washes in Jun with 1,700 on 8 Jun (RSPB), and up to 1,000 over both March Farmers and the RSPB reserve 10 Jun (OMM). Around 15 pairs bred in central Stamford (MC). Flocks of up to 50 were reported throughout Jul before the first signs of movement on 1 Aug when at least 140 were seen passing over Orton Longueville in ten minutes (SPD). Between 50–100 were over Whittlesey 2 Aug (MF), 150 at Ferry Meadows CP 4 Aug (MJW) and 220 at Deeping Lakes NR 5 Aug (SPD). Further passage was noted over Peterborough 13–14 Aug with 400 over Orton Brimbles (MJW). By 15 Aug, most passage was complete and there were no more records until 31 Aug after which small numbers were seen most days up to 17 Sep. There were two late records from Peterborough city centre on 21 Sep (DS) and 7 Oct (SPD).
2000	Common migrant; widespread but declining and now uncommon breeder. Recorded from 25 Apr at the Nene Washes (MJW) until 18 Sep at Ferry Meadows CP, then a very late bird on 18 Oct over Elton (KS). Small numbers recorded, mostly of 1-10 birds. The Nene Washes attracted the largest numbers, although never more than 100 during May and June. Otherwise, the best counts were 50 at Baston Fen NR 12 May, 15+ at Peterborough railway station during July, 25 at the Nene Washes 2 Aug, 22 at Yaxley Fen 14 Aug and 20 on the washes 7 Sep. Although generally under-recorded as a breeding species, the extensive re-roofing of older houses, particularly in Peterborough over the last 20 years, has greatly reduced the number of potential nest sites.
1999	Common but declining summer visitor. First birds of the year were at Ferry Meadows CP 27 Apr (PBC). There were reports of many small flocks throughout the summer, including breeding birds at Farcet (AL). When migrating, Swifts can be obvious as they stream southwards; "hundreds" were reported over Peterborough city centre 13 Aug (BHS). The last bird of the year was seen on 24 Oct on the Nene Washes.
1998	Common summer visitor. The earliest bird was at Ferry Meadows CP on 24 Apr (RAH) and the last was at Baston & Langtoft GP on 12 Sep (TW). The only notable passage was a steady movement south or south-west over Peterborough on 17 Aug (BHS). Nene Washes: The first birds were seen over Whittlesey on 7 May. There was a heavy passage in late May, with 800 over the reserve on 27 May. The last bird was noted on 15 Sep.
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