27th July - last day I saw 2 young Swifts.

The 27th July was the last day I saw 2 Swifts in the nest box.

* * * * *

* * * * *

Adults were still feeding them regularly.

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

On one occasion, as one of the adults emerged, it seemed to catch a toe or primary feather on the lip of the box, but it soon righted itself.

* * * * *

Before leaving, the adult always checks that the coast is clear.

* * * * *

I always enjoy seeing a close up of this wee beauty.

* * * * *

In slow-mo it always looks harder for them to get out than go in.

* * * * * 

Legs must be very busy behind the scenes.

* * * * *

In slow-mo they look rather vulnerable at this point, but of course this all happens very quickly.

* * * * *

As well as gravity, they use their feet to push away from the box.

* * * * *

At this point I knew that something was not quite right.

* * * * *

Now it looked like a foot or feather was caught, holding it back.

* * * * *

Upside down now, but thankfully it manages to wriggle free.

* * * * *

Gravity lends a helping hand again.

* * * * *

... & off she goes.

* * * * *

Swift activity in my north Antrim garden on 27th July 2018.

* * * * *