Swift Mapper
AVAILABLE ON IOS AND GOOGLE PLAY, FREE
Seen or heard a nesting swift? There’s an app for that! Launched earlier this year by the RSPB and swift conservation organisations, Swift Mapper is a citizen science recording app where you can submit your sightings of breeding swifts. This includes swift nests and the records of swifts flying at roof height and screaming (which indicates nests nearby), but not feeding swifts. The records can then be used to focus local conservation action for swifts, such as protecting active nests and choosing the best locations for new nesting opportunities. The app is easy to use and also includes a handy ID guide on the differences between swifts, house martins, swallows and sand martins. If you don’t have a smartphone, it’s also possible to submit records online at swiftmapper.org.uk.