Well I went outside quickly and came back in quickly to type a confirmation note. After about 30 minutes watching, there is a lot more than 10. They have mostly
gone now, if anything going generally southwards. I think I will put 40 on my GBS Chart as simultaneously present (unless I see more later). But I would have seen a lot more than that. The flock could be up to 100, some in view close by and still others visible
as distant flying dots in good binoculars. This is more and closer and longer duration than I have ever before seen of this species, which has previously been quick obs of small numbers. No WtN among them. I heard twittering that sounded like Welcome Swallows
but could not see any of them. A one day late birthday present for me. I love watching swifts, though for most of my years it was the WtN. They are in short supply in recent years. I have also seen Fork-tailed Swifts at their I assume, breeding caves in China.
Philip
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Friday, 18 January, 2019 11:00 AM
To: 'Jenny Smits'; 'Canberra Birds'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] forked tailed swifts?
Wow great timing and thanks for that. Yes about 10 Fork-tailed Swifts flying circles fairly low over my home right now. And yes I am 100% sure.
Philip Veerman
24 Castley Circuit
Kambah ACT 2902
From: Jenny Smits [
Sent: Friday, 18 January, 2019 10:40 AM
To: Canberra Birds
Subject: [canberrabirds] forked tailed swifts?
I am not 100% sure, but there are some forked-tailed white-arsed swifty looking birds circling over Kambah and Wanniassa at the moment, if anyone else is looking to the skies - no chance for my camera unfortunately.
