One of the simplest ways to help Common Swifts is to keep your eyes open.
Is scaffolding being erected in your neighborhood between May and early September? Perhaps it is even being covered with nets?
Young Common Swifts could be sentenced to death right here!
Watch whether parent birds are desperately trying to fly to their nest – blocked by scaffolding and netting – to feed their young! If so, immediate intervention is required. First of all, calmly and friendly approach the construction workers and ask them to remove the nets at the roof eaves. Often this is already enough to allow approach again. However, under certain circumstances, footboards may also need to be removed if they obstruct the entrance.
If your request is rejected, contact the Lower Nature Conservation Authority. Insist that staff immediately go on site to assess the situation and initiate measures.
But it does not have to be quite so tragic. Perhaps you will simply find an ideal place to create a nesting site.