Swift boxes, paintings and book for Sale
I have been recommending Peak Boxes since Lester Hartmann started his business many years ago. He heard that I had been making and altering my boxes after observing what the swifts liked and asked me for my advice on swift box design. After many discussions Lester decided to incorporate some of my successful design features into his nest boxes.
See this video below of my swift boxes.
Originally Peak Boxes were made of sustainable ply, but like me he has always been learning and trying to alter boxes that work for swifts. He and his team have recently created a new generation of swift box. They are made using 3D printers with a blend of corn starch and wood shavings. Like their previous designs they still include many of the features I suggested, such as landing strips, dark interiors and feathers. However this new Gen#2 Range also have new features that he has spent years in designing, such as integrated air-pocket insulation and an air-flow system. Take a look at Peak Boxes website for more details of their innovative designs.
Getting swifts to use your new box can be quite difficult at the beginning. However one thing that really does work is to play their attraction calls near to your new box. I used an old CD player, but most people use mp3 players nowadays.
If you would like to buy a swift box then please order direct from Peak Boxes
Bristol Swifts receives no financial gain for recommending Peak Boxes, which is a family run business based in the Peak District.
Lester and his family at Peak Boxes won the Best in Show and Best Commercial Stand awards at Birdfair 2019.
Jonathan Pomroy – Wildlife & Landscape Artist
Jonathan Pomroy is a talented wildlife and landscape artist, but that’s not how I got to know him. I first became aware of Jonathan when he wrote this wonderful article about attracting swifts to his home near Bradford-upon-Avon, see this link. That was over fifteen years ago and it still remains one of the best thing I’ve ever read about swifts. At that time I was just beginning my own ‘swift journey’ and I was looking to others for inspiration. I was so enthralled by what he had done that I just had to meet up with him. We’ve been good friends ever since.
Jane and I love all his paintings and sketches. Like all brilliant artists he captures the true essence of whatever subject he draws. He is fascinated by all wildlife, but swifts are his real passion. He has kindly given us permission to show a selection of his beautiful swift sketches.
He has also written and illustrated a book on swifts entitled ‘On Crescent Wings’ which sadly has currently sold out. When he’s not working he still manages to find time to write a fascinating wildlife blog, beautifully illustrated of course, which you can read on his website under Archives.
If you would like to see more of Jonathan’s work or buy his cards, paintings or prints then please go to this link.
Justin Anderson – Children’s Author and Swift enthusiast
In 2023 we were contacted by Justin a local swift enthusiast and children’s author. He came over to ask advice about putting boxes up on his house, he also mentioned that he was in the process of writing a book about swifts for children, aged 4- 8 years. We spent a lovely afternoon chatting with him about swifts. His book has just been published and we think it’s really lovely and we’re sure our grandchildren will love it when they get a bit older. Here is a link to buy ‘Super Swifts – The Small Bird with Amazing Powers’ by Justin Anderson.
