A day in the life of a swift's 'adoptive parents'

This summer, BirdLife Malta received a record number of 10 swifts (both Common and Pallid) after being found by members of the public. The young fledglings, which were found out of the nest, were then cared for round-the-clock by BirdLife Malta staff and volunteers until they were strong enough to be released.
Although we receive many injured wild birds every year, during the summer swifts are the most common birds in need of help. This species visits us each year to nest in areas like Mdina, Sliema, St Julians and San Ġwann. Some of the young fall from their nest but, unlike sparrows, the parents abandon them completely. Thanks to the support of the public, many of them are handed over to BirdLife Malta and we then have the opportunity to take care of them, until they are able to survive alone.
Here is a video we produced recounting a day in the life of the a swift's 'adoptive parents' - from when the young fledglings were received right up to their release. You can read more here: bit.ly/2Q38BkA.
Footage by BirdLife Malta, Sandra Maria Cuevas, Kinga Kupska and Veerle van Werde. Editing by Kinga Kupska.