Chimney Swift surveys
Citizen efforts to monitor Chimney Swifts have emerged across North America to help track the decline of this unique aerial insectivore. Its behavior of communal roosting and nesting in chimneys throughout cities and towns make them a fun and interesting species to monitor. During spring and fall migration Chimney Swifts fly most of the day, only roosting between sunset and dawn. During the breeding season in June and July, pairs will separate from the communal roost to nest alone in individual chimneys, and occasionally hollow cottonwoods. In our state, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Montana Audubon are working throughout eastern Montana to find out just where our Chimney Swifts are active and breeding.
Our series of "Swift nights out" were a success! Joined by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff, we visited with over 30 volunteers, and conducted sixteen evening surveys. We found seven new occupied chimneys throughout Miles City, Billings, and Glasgow. There are still hundreds of chimneys left to visit. Though no more events are scheduled for this summer, there is still plenty of time to get involved.
Check back in May for our "Swift night out" dates in 2020.
Email Carmen Borchelt at peter@mtaudubon.org or Amy Seaman at aseaman@mtaudubon.org to get started.
Our series of "Swift nights out" were a success! Joined by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff, we visited with over 30 volunteers, and conducted sixteen evening surveys. We found seven new occupied chimneys throughout Miles City, Billings, and Glasgow. There are still hundreds of chimneys left to visit. Though no more events are scheduled for this summer, there is still plenty of time to get involved.
Check back in May for our "Swift night out" dates in 2020.
Email Carmen Borchelt at peter@mtaudubon.org or Amy Seaman at aseaman@mtaudubon.org to get started.
Click here for more information on Chimney Swift identification, range maps, chimney preferences and more.
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