Dear clever forum folk, I am sure there is someone there who can answer this poser.

In my area, we have about 12 pairs of swifts who nest in the eves of the terraced houses on my street each year. Every year there is a few days of violent activity before they all disappear together, about mid-August time.

However, this year, four birds are still here after the others have left for warmer climes. They look quite small so I'm assuming they are this year's fledglings. They are still flying in under the eaves and feeding at the usual times.

My question is, will these birds find their way to South Africa without their parents and the rest of the flock? And why are they so late leaving?

Most birds return to their winterning grounds by instinct so having parents 'show' them isn't really important. Cuckoos are a classic case but so do many other parents leave before their offspring aswell.

Thanks Dave, that's good to know.