Mayo Swift nesting project welcomes arrival of triplets

THE Linenhall Arts Centre has shared a very special update on its long-standing, swift nesting project in conjunction with Swift Conservation Mayo - the arrival of new-born triplet swifts in nest boxes located on the exterior wall of the historic building.

Over the past 15 years, the number of swifts in the west of Ireland declined by over 40%, due to the loss of nest sites associated with demolition or renovation of buildings, therefore this swift initiative with the Linenhall and ATU Mayo campus makes a very important contribution to helping numbers increase.

The thriving new-borns were named recently by Eva Durcan. She chose the names Chicie, Daffodil and Rainbow for the little nestlings.

Two monitors livestreaming the swifts are among art works in the arts centre foyer, so the general public can pop in anytime to view the birds' activity for free.

A red-listed bird of conservation concern, the Swift, Swifts, or Gabhlan Gaoithe as Gaeilge, live for over 14 years and pair for life, nesting in old buildings. When they find a nest site, they return to that exact same place year after year. If that nest site is no longer available, it can take a long time to find a new one, which thankfully some have on the walls of the Linenhall.

Swifts come to Ireland from Central and Southern Africa to breed, arriving in May and leaving in August.

For more information, please contact the friendly Linenhall Arts Centre box office team on (094) 9023733.