In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance 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 6:30pm, and will be held at Cherokee Heights Middle School unless we notify you otherwise via email (see Email List info below).
Come join us for casual get togethers in the evenings during Swift Week to watch the incredible natural phenomenon of Chimney Swifts coming in to roost during migration! A birder from one of our organizations will be there to welcome you, share information, answer questions, and hang out to swift-watch.
The Swift Week event on Sept. 7 will be hosted by Matt Reetz, executive director at Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.
Swift Week email list sign up
Sign up on our Swift Week email list to get updates on where the Swift Week event will be each evening, and any weather-related adjustments.
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.
What to expect
Bring a lawn chair and binoculars to observe and count swifts as they gather. Binoculars aren’t necessary to appreciate this spectacle, but it can be fun to get a closer look.
Food will not be provided, bring your own snacks and beverages if you wish! Pack out whatever you bring in (extra food, trash, etc.).
Family friendly and beginning birders are welcome!
Minimal walking required
Header photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
