BIRD lovers in Otley are being asked to keep an eye out for swifts.

A team of volunteers are already scanning the skies around town for the acrobatic summer visitor from Africa.

More helpers, however, are needed north of the river - particularly to provide details of nesting sites.

Richard Marsh, who is helping co-ordinate the mapping efforts in Otley, said: "I was originally approached by a member of the local Green Party who was interested in doing something to help local wildlife, and I suggested getting a group of people together to make sure Otley stays a town where Swifts are always welcome.

"They are a real sign of Summer here in Otley, being among the latest of our Summer migrants to arrive and the earliest to leave in August.

"This super bird puts a completely different spin on what we think of as habitat - most animals and birds rely on solid land to spend a considerable amount of their time, and conservation for those species will involve habitat protection and management.

"But the Swift spends virtually all of its life in the air, sleeping, eating and even mating in the air - so it's habitat is the vast airspace above our heads.

"Once the chicks are ready to leave their nest, high up under the eaves in buildings that have suitable holes and ledges, they will take that first plunge falling downwards - and then it is away on the wing, travelling back and forth between Africa and Otley possibly for three years until it touches solid ground once more - and then only during a period of weeks to nest for the first time.

"By locating the streets where they are nesting it is hoped to find out what kinds of buildings they prefer, and to monitor their numbers from year to year.

"The aim is to make sure Otley always has some buildings with suitable nesting opportunities welcoming them when they return, exhausted, from their travels to Africa."

Mapping Otley's Common Swifts is part of a wider project called Leeds Swifts which has its own Facebook page and provides help and advice about how to set up new swift colonies - and conserve existing nest sites.

Since 1995 the UK Swift population has declined by 38 per cent and the species has been placed on the list of Birds of Conservation Concern as Amber, meaning it is in need of help.

A number of factors, including a lack of insect food, the changing climate and a reduction in the number of suitable nest sites are believed to be behind its decline.

Mr Mrash is asking anyone who knows of streets in Otley, Yeadon, Guiseley, Rawdon, Menston, Ilkley or Burley-in-Wharfedale where swifts nest - or who would like to help check north of the river in Otley - to get in touch.

Details can be e-mailed to richardmarsh25@yahoo.co.uk or posted to 27 Inglewood Drive, Otley.