WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND A GROUNDED SWIFT

DON’T THROW ❗️
DON’T FEED ❗️
DON’T DELAY❗️
a) Don’t throw the swift into the air no matter how active or well developed it might seem (high activity can be a sign that the bird is in a critical state). The bird is likely to be injured, dehydrated and/or not ready to fledge.
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b) Don’t feed the swift under any circumstances, even if it begs. This can be fatal. The digestive system may have shut down and that feeding can divert energy away from the essential bodily functions keeping it alive. 
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c) Keep warm. Place the swift in a ventilated, covered shoe box, lined with a tea towel or cloth. The bird should be kept in a warm, dark place (out of direct heat) and away from any household noises to reduce stress. Take care not to disturb the bird unduly. Please check to check for faeces in the box. 
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d) Hydrate the warmed swift to increase its chances of survival. Gently wrap the bird in soft toilet paper or kitchen roll, taking care not to damage the wings, then give lukewarm water via a cotton wool bud. Squeeze tiny amounts into the side of the swift’s beak being careful to avoid the small nostrils on top of the beak.
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Please get the swift to a carer or wildlife rescue as quickly as possible.
Please be patient and considerate with wildlife rescues/ carers and they can be very busy with other birds and can not always collect the bird.
Always ask a neighbour or a friend if you cannot transport the swift yourself.