Swift Night Out

media release: Swift Night Out returns this September, and we are collaborating with fellow bird-loving organizations to celebrate the incredible natural phenomenon of Chimney Swifts coming in to roost during migration!

The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, in partnership with the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group, are collaborating to host this community gathering.

The location of this event is possibly Cherokee Heights Middle School, but is to be determined. Chimney Swifts can change their roosting site preferences year to year, so we will wait until the week of the event to determine the location of Swift Night Out.

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. A “Swift Night Out” is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness about Chimney Swifts and their need for roosting habitat. 

WHY SHOULD YOU COME?

We hope this evening will be the perfect opportunity for members of our birding community to:

• meet new people who love birds
• socialize over delicious local food (food trucks to be announced soon!)
• and of course learn about Chimney Swifts, their unique roosting behaviors, and what we can do to protect them! 

If you haven't visited a swift roost or participated in a Swift Night Out event before, you won't want to miss this. The spectacle of hundreds of Chimney Swifts pouring into the tall chimney is a sight to behold – as is the equally joyful spectacle of so many birders gathering to celebrate them!

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 we will have extras on hand. Food will not be provided, bring your own snacks and beverages if you wish! Family friendly and beginning birders are welcome! Minimal walking required. Accessibility information will be provided once the location has been determined.

RSVP REQUIRED? 

Registration is optional, but highly recommended, especially since the time or location could change depending on the swifts! Sign up here to receive updates and reminders.