FAQs

When will the swifts be there this year?
During the month of September. 

When should I arrive?
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   

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 swirling 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.  Entry time is between 10 and 20 minutes.  Timing can vary as the season progresses and according to different weather conditions.

How many swifts are there?
It varies from year to year and we can't predict what 2010 will bring.

However, in 2009 we counted:

~ 4000 swifts on Sept 1

~ 8000 swifts on Sept 15

~ 1700 swifts on Sept 30

As many as 35,000 swifts in one evening had been counted prior to 2004. 

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, most nights of the week from Sept 1 to Sept 30, 2010, with information about swifts, raptors, and the opportunity to learn more about the Audubon Society of Portland.

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.  Please use them!
  
• 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, one block west of the traffic light at NW 27th Ave.

Location

• Chapman School is off NW 25th Ave between NW Pettygrove and NW Raleigh
• Portland Audubon volunteers will be present at the bottom of the viewing hill near the Chapman School garden. 
  
• Please do not drive up Pettygrove Street beyond 27th Ave.  The street is a dead end and has no easy turn around.
• Do not block or 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 walk 4 blocks south on NW 27th avenue to reach the school.  

What to bring:

• Bring something comfortable to sit on or in. 
• Bring binoculars and a curious mind.
• Please take all your waste with you and dispose of properly.
• Alcohol is illegal on school grounds.
• Smoking is illegal on school grounds.
  

Considerations:

• Be respectful of the neighborhood, its residents, and other swift watchers.  
• Bear in mind that 400 – 2000 people descend on the neighborhood every night for a month!  
• Treat the neighborhood as if you lived there.
  

Compiled by Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator, Audubon Society of Portland