The original Swift Night Out was scheduled for Friday, August 27, but due to low levels of Chimney Swifts the event is postponed until Sunday, September 19.
At summer's end, hundreds of chimney swifts use brick chimneys for their nightly roost as they prepare for migration. "A Swift Night Out" is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness about chimney swifts and their need for roosting habitat. The Madison Swift Night Out is co-hosted by Madison Audubon and the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group to showcase the amazing phenomenon of chimney swifts coming into roost for the night.
Bring a lawn chair and binoculars to observe and count swifts as they gather at communal roosts before fall migration to South America.
Sandy Schwab at a Swift Night Out 2020
Honoring a Memory
The Swift Night Out 2021 is held in memory of Sandy Schwab, who was the chair of the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group and was a wonderful, passionate, and inspiring advocate for chimney swift conservation. Sandy passed away in June 2021 and leaves her love for birds and nature as a legacy. Join us in celebrating chimney swifts and Sandy’s contributions to their conservation in this event!
Note: Swifts have been known to change their preference for chimneys, so watch the website for location updates prior to the field trip!
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
Wheelchair accessible
Minimal walking required
Accessible by public transportation
APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FOR WALKING: 0-1 mile
RSVP REQUIRED? No
FIELD TRIP LEADER: Matt Reetz, Madison Audubon (mreetz@madisonaudubon.org, 608-255-2473)
Header photo by Steve Benoit
