Swift Watch Frequently Asked Questions
Swift Watch Frequently Asked Questions
Chapman School Swifts - Steve Warner
Swift Watch Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by Steve Engel, Audubon Society of Portland
When will the swifts be there this year?
We
expect Vaux’s Swifts to begin using the Chapman School chimney as an
evening roost site in late August. Appreciable numbers (in excess of
1000 birds) will probably be present before Labor Day.
When should I arrive?
The
swifts begin gathering in the sky above the Chapman School neighborhood
in large numbers 40 to 60 minutes before sunset. Closer to sunset the
swifts begin circling directly above the school chimney in a large
flock – this is a dramatic sight and ideally you will be there before
it begins. They begin to enter the chimney within 10 to 30 minutes
after sunset. Time between first and last bird entering the chimney
varies from 10 to 30 minutes. Below are examples of activity and
timing over the course of the month in previous years:
9/06: Swifts began gathering at: 7:00 PM
Began entering the chimney at: 7:45 PM
Ended at: 8:10 PM
9/16: Swifts began gathering at: 6:25 PM
Began entering the chimney at: 7:30 PM
Ended at: 7:39 PM.
9/26: Swifts began gathering at: 6:20 PM
Began entering the chimney at: 7:20 PM
Ended at: 7:30 PM
How many are there?
Our
estimate of numbers in 2006 began with 5000 swifts on Sept 8th,
increased up to 10,000 at mid-month, and was down to 100 by Sept 27th.
Past years have seen a high of as many as 35,000 swifts. More recently
high estimates have been around 15,000 swifts.
How long will they be there?
Probably
until the end of September or even early October but in much lower
numbers by then. The best viewing is the first 3 ½ weeks of
September.
Will the Audubon Society of Portland there?
Yes, every night from Sept 1 to Sept 30, 2008, with information about swifts, raptors,
and nightly raffle for a free membership.
Location
- Chapman School is on NW 25th Ave between NW Pettygrove and NW Raleigh
- Portland Audubon volunteers will have a table at the top of the grassy slope bordering Pettygrove St. just up the street from where NW 27th meets Pettygrove
- Please do not drive up Pettygrove Street beyond 27th Ave if there is no parking available there. The street is a dead end and has no easy turn around.
- Do not block double park in the street and do not block resident’s driveways
Timing and Arrival:
- Plan to arrive about an hour before sunset and stay about a half hour after
- Arrive by bike or public transportation as parking in the neighborhood gets very full and that’s not as much fun.
- If you are driving and arriving late, plan to park at least several blocks away and walk to the school. That is less frustrating than trying to find parking close-in and also eases traffic congestion.
- FREE off-street PARKING is available at 2701 NW Vaughn at Montgomery Park. The entrance is on Vaughn street just west of the 27th Ave traffic light. Look for a Courtesy Parking for Audubon Society sign. From here just go 4 blocks south on NW 27th avenue.
What to bring:
- Bring something comfortable to sit on or in.
- Bring something to eat! Making a picnic and gathering with friends is a common way to spend the evening.
- Please take all your waste with you and dispose of properly.
Considerations:
- Be respectful of the neighborhood, its residents, and other swift watchers.
- Bear in mind that 400 – 2000 people show up every night for a month!
- Be conscientious – if your neighborhood was playing host, how would you like people to act?
Time of Sunset for September 1 – 30, 2008
1 7:47 pm
2 7:45
3 7:44
4 7:42
5 7:40
6 7:38
7 7:36
8 7:34
9 7:32
10 7:30
11 7:28
12 7:26
13 7:24
14 7:22
15 7:21
16 7:19
17 7:17
18 7:15
19 7:13
20 7:11
21 7:09
22 7:07
23 7:05
24 7:03
25 7:01
26 6:59
27 6:57
28 6:55
29 6:54
30 6:52
If you would like to become a Swift Watch volunteer, sign up with Deanna Sawtelle, Volunteer Coordinator, by calling 503-292-6855 x108. The 2008 training is tentatively set for August 27th, 6-8pm, in Heron Hall.
