Spring and Fall Swift Night Outs a Great Success

By Jeremy Hatt

In 2019, ECFNC partnered with Birds Canada for two Swift Night Out events in Essex County. These events are quite popular and attract a diverse group of people looking to learn more about the Chimney Swift, a species at risk familiar to anyone living in a town or urban area.

The first Swift Night Out was held at the Epworth United Church in Kingsville on May 25, 2019. This site holds the highest known number of roosting Chimney Swifts in Essex County during spring migration with over 300 swifts possible during peak times in mid-May. Getting the word out to Club members as well as advertising on various local Facebook groups resulted in an amazing attendance of 42 people, which included a number of members of the church’s congregation. Fortunately, the turnout of swifts was also high. 112 Chimney Swifts put on a great show for all in attendance. It was especially heartening to see members of Epworth United Church take such an interest and they will undoubtedly continue to be proud stewards into the future.

Members of the public patiently await Chimney Swifts entering the chimneys atop the Epworth United Church – photo by Jeremy Hatt

On August 22, 2019, a second Swift Night Out was held at the Walkerville Collegiate Institute. This site has been known historically as a significant fall roosting site for swifts on their southbound migration and this serene summer night did not disappoint. 51 swifts entered the school’s chimney to the enjoyment of the 17 members of the public in attendance. Ontario SwiftWatch coordinator, Megan Hiebert, was in attendance and was able to provide everyone with information on Chimney Swift migration, behaviour, breeding, threats to the species, and local and national conservation efforts.

The Walkerville Collegiate Institute chimney; roosting site for migrating Chimney Swifts – photo by Jeremy Hatt

Swift-watchers at the Walkerville Collegiate Institute – photo by Jeremy Hatt

A spring Swift Night Out is planned this year for the end of May at the Walkerville Collegiate Institute. Keep an eye out for details in upcoming emails and on the events calendar on the Essex County Nature website.