Swift Watch 2011
| When: Sep 01, 2011 06:00 PM to Sep 30, 2011 08:00 PM |
| Contact: |
Steve Engel
971-222-6119
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Join us on the lawn most evenings in September at Chapman School for the spectacular display of Vaux's Swifts gathering to roost in the school's chimney.
Swifts - Steve Warner
Saturday, October 1, 2011 Swift Update
The swifts are still gathering and roosting each night at the Chapman Elementary School chimney but numbers have been falling all week and this weekend's weather may push them all south for the rest of the season.
Some recent counts and estimates:
(9/24) Saturday 5000 counted
Sunday 8000 estimated
Monday 10,000 estimated
Tuesday 3500 estimated
Wednesday 3500 estimated
Thursday 2500 estimated
(9/30) Friday 2000 estimated
A weak front today (10/1)and stronger systems expected early in the week will probably push all the birds south within a few days. Based on previous years they could all be gone any day now. It is unusual to have them into October.
If you go, plan to be there by 6pm (or earlier if it is a nice weekend evening). The birds have been going in the chimney between 7 and 7:10 and only take around ten minutes to do it. However, if raining the birds often go in earlier and over a longer time period, sometimes going in and then out again.
Remember that the uphill part of NW Pettygrove Street is a dead-end street and easily becomes very congested - please avoid driving there. Lots of parking available north of the school including at the Forest Park Credit Union parking lot at NW Thurman and 25th, just a few blocks walk away.
Bring a flashlight, it will be dark when you leave.
Our Swift Watch Outreach volunteers have done an amazing job this month.
Thank you Swiftees! Friday the 30th was their last evening.
See below and the links on the right for more information.
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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. Many evenings in September see in excess of 2000 people gathered on the school lawn and neighboring Wallace Park grounds to watch and listen as the swifts gather overhead before entering the chimney. Please read the "Community Mindfulness" link to the right and the tips below to help keep the experience positive for all. |
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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 2011 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
Washington State Swift Information - Monroe Swifts -- Vaux's Happening
