The mystery over a strange speed-camera-like object which has appeared near the M1 in Belfast has been solved.
Motorists thought it might have been a new-look high-tech speed camera but it is in fact a swift tower.
The multiple nests, which come complete with a solar-panelled bird call, have been erected as part of a project aimed at increasing the swift population.
The Belfast hills Partnership is behind the erection of the network of pioneering bird boxes, which so far have been installed at its own offices in hannahstown, the Bog Meadows nature reserve, Colin allotments, and at Naiscoil enna in the grounds of St Enda's GAA in Glengormley.
The breeding towers aim to encourage colonies of swifts to nest following a decline in populations.
Jim Bradley, Belfast hills Partnership manager, said: "Our swift population numbers are dropping steadily due to loss of nest and feeding sites with redevelopment.
"An innovative way of providing sites for possible swift colonies is to install swift towers alongside providing boxes and custom-made hollows to fit on existing new buildings. "As swifts tend to look for existing swift nesting sites by listening out for the call of nesting birds, the towers have a calling tape playing swift birdsong, which is powered by solar panels, meaning there is no need for an external power supply." Meanwhile, Belfast's first ever river festival got underway yesterday.
Part of the Belfast hills Landscape Partnership Scheme, the four-day Mountain to Meadows River Festival, which runs until Saturday, will feature wildlife events, music and a children's fun day, as well as talks about the industrial heritage of some of west Belfast's rivers.
Details about the event are available from www.belfasthills.org/events.