A Swift Night Out

As fall migration grows near, the Driftwood Wildlife Association is again asking for volunteers to monitor chimney swift communal roosts.

Here is how it works: Between now and Aug. 9-11, keep your eyes to the skies at dusk and watch for areas where swifts are feeding. Look for a tall shaft, chimney or similar structure to locate where Chimney Swifts go to roost at sunset.

On one night over the weekend of August 9-11, observe the roosting site starting about 30 minutes before sunset and estimate the number of swifts that enter. When you have your number, email the Driftwood Wildlife Association at kyle@chimneyswifts.org with your results. Your observations will be posted on www.ChimneySwifts.org.

Grosse Pointe Audubon President Bill Rapai annually monitors two roosting sites--Maire Elementary School and the Grosse Pointe school administration building. All other sites in the Pointes are available, including a large chimney swift roost at the Punch and Judy Building on Kercheval in Grosse Pointe Farms. A few minutes of your time will be helpful in monitoring this species of special concern!