Swift Watch 2009

Swifts are insect eating birds that migrate south each fall.  At sunset during migration they choose a place where dozens to thousands of birds can roost (sleep).  Since the late 1980’s the Chapman chimney has been one of these roosting sites.

Swift watching – coming to view the swifts as they prepare to roost – has become a very popular activity at the Chapman School site in recent years.  On most evenings in September, several hundred to several thousand people gather on the school lawn and neighboring Wallace Park grounds to watch and listen as the swifts gather overhead before entering the chimney.

This is a free event, open to everyone! It is everyone’s responsibility to make it a safe and enjoyable experience.

Portland Audubon is enlisting the help of every Swift Watcher to develop a spirit of community mindfulness by following and sharing these tips with others:

• Use public transportation when possible. The Portland Streetcar and bus lines #15 and #17 all travel within three blocks of Chapman School. 
  
• Be mindful of where you park. it is illegal to block a residence’s drive-way, as well as, “double park.”  Plan to walk up to six blocks from where you park to the school. 
  

• Respect the rights and privacy of the neighbors.  You are one of many, many people who will be visiting their neighborhood during September.
  
• Pick up your trash and litter, as well as a little "extra", when you leave.  Especially cardboard and micro-trash. 
  
• Leash your dog.  Pick up after your dog. 
  
• It is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages on public school grounds. 
  
• It is illegal to smoke on public school grounds.
  
• Keep an eye on your children, we want everyone to be safe. 
  
• Do not loiter on school grounds after the event has finished.
• Remember to watch the Swifts!