What is a Chimney Swift?
Chimney Swifts are fascinating little birds who look like flying cigars. Each spring, they migrate north from their wintering grounds in South America to nest in brick chimneys. They are known as aerial insectivores, which means they feed on their prey (insects) while flying. They are excellent flyers and are fun to watch as they navigate the skies searching for food before diving into their chimneys at dusk.
About the Chimney Swift Monitoring Project
Over the past 40 years, these birds have declined faster than any other group of birds in Canada. The monitoring program provides important data for developing strategies to aid in their conservation. Most of the chimneys the local Swifts use are located in the commercial area around Jarvis Street in Fort Erie. Niagara Christian Collegiate and along the Niagara Parkway which is also a roosting site.
Interested in helping?
If you are interested in joining our monitoring team, please contact us and we will be happy to include you. The monitoring period runs from mid-May to mid-September. For more information on this program, visit the Bird Studies Canada website at http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/ai/