Update: Swift Night Out will be held at Cherokee Heights Middle School (4301 Cherokee Dr, Madison)!
Swift Night Out returns this September, and we are collaborating with fellow bird-loving organizations to celebrate the incredible natural phenomenon of Chimney Swifts coming in to roost during migration!
The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, in partnership with the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group, are collaborating to host this community gathering.
A crowd comes together for Swift Night Out 2023. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt / Feminist Bird Club
Swift Night Out + Swift Week
Swift Week email list sign up has closed
New this year: In addition to Swift Night Out, our organizations will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Each Swift Week get together will start around 6:00pm, and the location will be determined the day of so sign up to get email updates.
A birder from one of our organizations will be there to welcome you, share information, answer questions, and hang out to swift-watch.
Where is Swift Night Out?
Cherokee Heights Middle School (4301 Cherokee Dr, Madison)
Parking: accessible parking will be available in the parking lot at 4301 Cherokee Dr. (right turn only into the parking lot; a median in the street prevents folks from turning left into the lot). This parking lot also includes limited additional general parking, first come first served. Once that lot is full, parking is available on surrounding residential streets. Plan ahead and be prepared to walk to the grassy area south of the school.
For those with mobility concerns, please be aware that access from the parking lot to the soccer field involves two short sets of stairs. Contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Chimney Swift photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
What are Chimney Swifts?
Chimney Swifts are small birds that spend most of their life on the wing! They nest in chimneys and are experiencing habitat decline as there are fewer places for them to nest and roost. You may see them twittering and fluttering above your neighborhood in the summer. At summer’s end, hundreds of Chimney Swifts gather and 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.
Why should you come?
We hope this evening will be the perfect opportunity for members of our birding community to:
meet new people who love birds
socialize and get to know each other
and of course learn about Chimney Swifts, their unique roosting behaviors, and what we can do to protect them!
If you haven't visited a swift roost or participated in a Swift Night Out event before, you won't want to miss this. The spectacle of hundreds of Chimney Swifts pouring into the tall chimney is a sight to behold—as is the equally joyful spectacle of so many birders gathering to celebrate them!
Friends come together for Swift Night Out 2023. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt / Feminist Bird Club
What to expect
It’ll be cool (around 60 degrees)! Dress warmly!
Bring a lawn chair and binoculars to observe and count swifts as they gather. Binoculars aren’t necessary to appreciate this spectacle, but we will have extras on hand.
Food will not be provided, bring your own snacks and beverages if you wish!
Family friendly and beginning birders are welcome!
Minimal walking required
Tshirts to benefit Chimney Swift conservaiton
For the first time, we will have Swift Night Out t-shirts for sale at the event! Shirts will be available in adult ($25/ea) and youth sizes ($15/ea) -- and proceeds go to the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group. We'll be able to take cash or card at the event. The SNO graphic was designed by local artist Beth Raboin. Buy your shirt here!
RSVP required?
Nope, just join in!
Header photo by Steve Benoit
