FAQs
Swift Watch Frequently Asked Questions
When will the swifts be there this year?
We expect Vaux’s Swifts to begin using the Chapman School chimney as an evening roost site in late August. Appreciable numbers (in excess of 1000 birds) will probably be present before Labor Day.
When should I arrive?
The swifts begin gathering in the sky above the Chapman School
neighborhood in large numbers 40 to 60 minutes before sunset. Closer
to sunset the swifts begin circling directly above the school chimney
in a large flock – this is a dramatic sight and ideally you will be
there before it begins. They begin to enter the chimney within 10 to
30 minutes after sunset. Timing can vary as the season progresses and
according to different weather conditions.
Plan to arrive at least one hour before sunset. The sun sets at:
7:48 on Sept 1st.
7:23 on Sept 15th
7:09 on Sept 22nd
6:56 on Sept 29th
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Please park in one of our courtesy parking areas. With so many people coming to the neighborhood to see the swifts, street parking will not be available. If you arrive less than one hour before sunset DO NOT EXPECT TO FIND PARKING WITHIN BLOCKS OF THE SCHOOL! Please DO NOT drive up NW Pettygrove Street, GO DIRECTLY TO MONTGOMERY PARK ON NW VAUGHN. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE THERE and it is only 4 blocks away from the school. |
How many swifts are there?
Our estimate of numbers in 2006 began with 5000 swifts on Sept 8th, increased up to 10,000 at mid-month, and was down to 100 by Sept 27th. Past years have seen a high of as many as 35,000 swifts. More recently high estimates have been around 15,000 swifts.
How long will the Swifts be there?
Swifts will most likely be roosting at Chapman through the end of September or even early October but will decrease in numbers by then. The best viewing is the first 3.5 weeks of September.
Will the Audubon Society of Portland there?
Yes, every night from Sept 1 to Sept 30, 2009, with information about swifts, raptors, and nightly raffle for a free membership.
What facilities are nearby?
- BATHROOMS: Public restrooms are located in the NE corner of Wallace Park, very close to the intersection of NW 25th Ave and NW Overton Street.
- GARBAGE: Garbage cans are located on select corners and in Wallace Park. Please use them!
- PARKING: Free Parking is just 4 blocks away at Montgomery Park on NW Vaughn.
Location
- Chapman School is on NW 25th Ave between NW Pettygrove and NW Raleigh
- Portland Audubon volunteers will have a table at the top of the grassy slope bordering Pettygrove St. just up the street from where NW 27th meets Pettygrove.
- Please do not drive up Pettygrove Street beyond 27th Ave if there is no parking available there. The street is a dead end and has no easy turn around.
- Do not block double park in the street and do not block resident’s driveways
Timing and Arrival:
- Plan to arrive about an hour before sunset and stay about a half hour after sunset
- Arrive by bike or public transportation as parking in the neighborhood gets very full and that’s not as much fun.
- If you are driving and arriving late, plan to park at least several blocks away and walk to the school. That is less frustrating than trying to find parking close-in and also eases traffic congestion.
- FREE off-street PARKING is available at 2701 NW Vaughn at Montgomery Park. The entrance is on Vaughn street just west of the 27th Ave traffic light. Look for a Courtesy Parking for Audubon Society sign. From here just go 4 blocks south on NW 27th avenue.
What to bring:
- Bring something comfortable to sit on or in.
- Bring something to eat! Making a picnic and gathering with friends is a common way to spend the evening.
- Please take all your waste with you and dispose of properly.
Considerations:
- Be respectful of the neighborhood, its residents, and other swift watchers.
- Bear in mind that 400 – 2000 people show up every night for a month!
- Be conscientious – if your neighborhood was playing host, how would you like people to act?
Compiled by Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator, Audubon Society of Portland
