Swift Watch 2009
| When: Sep 01, 2009 06:00 PM to Sep 29, 2009 07:30 PM |
Join us on the lawn each evening in September at Chapman School for the spectacular display of Vaux Swifts gathering to roost in the school's chimney.
Swifts - Steve Warner
Join us on the lawn at Chapman School each evening in September for a spectacular display of Vaux’s Swifts as they gather to roost in the school’s chimney. Volunteers from Portland Audubon will be present each night with information about the swifts, binoculars and a spotting scope for viewing.
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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. |
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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. |
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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: |
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By following these simple tips, the 2009 Swift Watch will be enjoyable
for all who come to view the Vaux’s swifts, as well as to the
neighbors who live in the area.
The Portland Police Bureau, Portland’s Department of Transportation,
and Portland’s Crime Prevention Program are working together with The
Audubon Society of Portland and the Northwest Development Association
to help keep Swift Watch a positive experience for all concerned.
For more questions or information regarding this event, contact:
Ann Takamoto, Development Director or
Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator
Audubon Society of Portland, (503) 292-6855









