This spring, I traveled to Jerusalem to report on the common swift. These birds, known for their scythe-shaped wings, have been nesting in the crevices of the Western Wall and other sacred locations for millennia.
Worshippers have grown accustomed to the presence of these swifts, with their calls blending into the prayers. The birds have adapted to urban life, raising their young within the nooks of buildings.
Each year, these birds undertake long migrations to return to specific cities, where they reunite with their lifelong partners to nest. This year, numerous nests were observed at the Western Wall.
Since experiencing these birds in Jerusalem, I find myself noticing them frequently, but also their absence in skies that should be filled with their presence. In Israel, Iranian missile strikes disrupted their nesting, and across Europe, their numbers are dwindling. Modern architecture, with its sleek glass towers, leaves fewer nesting sites for the swifts.
Supporting these birds is straightforward—a simple wooden box or hollow brick can suffice. When they do nest, they often form groups, flying at high speeds around buildings and emitting loud, high-pitched calls, a behavior called a “screaming party.” One purpose is to encourage their young to take flight. Observing them fills me with a sense of joy.
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