Every fall, Chimney Swifts gather in the hundreds and thousands at roost sites throughout North Carolina as they stage for their long migration journeys to South America. You can witness the amazing spectacle at events hosted by Audubon chapters.

As dusk approaches, swifts begin flocking together to form giant, swirling bird tornadoes above their chimney roost sites. As the sun sets, the birds drop into the chimney one by one to spend the night.

The phenomenon happens over towns and cities every fall, and is an accessible and amazing way to enjoy fall bird migration.

Check out the schedule below to find a Swift Night Out watch event near you. 

Asheville, Hosted by Blue Ridge Audubon

Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:45 - 8 p.m. Civic Center (Rankin) garage, 68 Rankin Ave. More info here.

Chapel Hill, Hosted by New Hope Bird Alliance and the Avian Society at UNC Chapel Hill

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. At the Davie Poplar Tree on the UNC campus. More info here.

Monday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. At the Davie Poplar Tree on the UNC campus. 

Durham, Hosted by New Hope Bird Alliance

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar, 315E. Chapel Hill Street. Arrive early for seating. More info here.

Durham, Hosted by New Hope Bird Alliance

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7 – 8 p.m. At the Velvet Hippo, 119 Orange Street, 3rd Floor. More info here.

Fuquay-Varina

Not an official event, but Wake Audubon reports that a large flock of swifts is roosting at the Fuquay-Varina Middle School chimney and can be viewed any evening.

Greensboro, Hosted by T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and Piedmont Bird Club

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 – 9 p.m. Location TBD. More info here.

Raleigh, Hosted by Wake Audubon

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5:45 – 7:45 p.m. This even will be a watch party and talk. Talk begins at 5:45 p.m., and the watch party at 7 p.m. At Willard Rooftop Lounge, 9 Glenwood Road. More info here.

Raleigh, Hosted by Wake Audubon

Sunday, Sept. 28, 6 - 8 p.m. Transfer Company Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St. More info here.

Wilkesboro, Hosted by High Country Audubon

Sunday, Sept. 14 , 7 – 8 p.m. Wilkesboro Elementary School, 1248 School St. Meet in the school parking lot near the large chimney. More info here.

Wilmington, Hosted by Cape Fear Audubon

Friday, Sept. 19, 7 – 8 p.m. 308 Grace Street, Downtown Wilmington. Presentation and then swift watch party/community science count.

Winston-Salem, Hosted by Forsyth Audubon

Sunday, Sept. 14, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Northwest Middle School, 5501 Murray Road. More info here.