Swifts and swift rescue in Sheffield: images from a local conservation network
Grounded swift chicks are brought to trained carers if at all possible. It's important to keep the feathers scrupulously clean and free of oils or other contaminants from human skin.
Rescued chicks need help with feeding: fingers and tweezers replace the beaks of the absent parent birds.
Days or weeks of specialised care and feeding may be needed before successful release into the wild.
A very gentle stroke on the chick's throat helps to ensure successful feeding.
As the young swifts gain weight, the time for release and migration draws closer. These birds are in a shaded crate, to minimise stress.
Adult swift in flight