A Swoop of Swifts

A collection of bold, abstract mixed media drawings using up to six layers of ink, wax pastel, pencil, charcoal and soft pastel. Each drawing features a swift navigating the urban environment and demonstrates the struggle for this species to find a suitable nesting site.

The works were produced in response to the decline in UK breeding populations of swifts by 51% from 1995 to 2005. The decline in swift numbers is due to a loss of nest spaces as old buildings are renovated or demolished. Swifts will return home to find their nest is gone or has been blocked up. And new buildings are even more unlikely to have crevices where the swift can build a suitable home.

To find out how to properly identify a swift, submit your sightings or get a swift nest box or swift brick please visit the RSPB’s website.