If you've never seen a bird tornado—one of the most spectacular migration spectacles that takes place across North Carolina each fall—now is the time to find a Swift Night Out near you and mark your calendar. Over the next few weeks, Chimney Swifts will be gathering in huge numbers at roost sites across North Carolina, as part of their annual fall migration to South America. 

Hundreds and even thousands of birds will flock to individual chimneys, forming huge, swirling swift tornados at dusk before swooping into their roost for the evening.

Audubon chapters across the state are hosting watch parties throughout September at established roost sites. Find an event near you:

Asheville, Hosted by Blue Ridge Audubon 

Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6:45. Meet at the top floor of the Civic Center Garage, located at 49 Rankin Avenue. 

Charlotte, Hosted by Mecklenburg Audubon

Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. East Mecklenburg High School, 6800 Monroe Rd. Email leader Pat McLaughlin at PATMCL47@aol.com to register.

Durham, Hosted by New Hope Audubon

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Top floor of the Durham Hotel.

Greensboro, Hosted by T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7-9 p.m. Location TBD.

Raleigh, Hosted by Wake Audubon

Sunday, September 18, 6-8 p.m. John Connors will guide a trip to a local roosting site. Location will be provided to those who RSVP to John Connors at jconnorsbird@gmail.com.

Salisbury, Hosted by Mecklenburg Audubon

Sunday, September 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. East Rowan High School, 175 St Lukes Church Roard. Register by emailing Steve Coggin at scoggin@catawba.edu.

Wilmington, Hosted by Cape Fear Audubon and UNC Wilmington Seahawk Audubon

Friday, Sept 23, shortly before sundown at Hanover Hall on UNC Wilmington's campus. 680 Hamilton Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Winston-Salem, Hosted by Forsyth Audubon 

Sunday, Sept. 11, 7-8 p.m., Northwest Middle School, 5501 Murray Road. For more details, email jimnjoy@triad.rr.com.

Wilkesboro, Hosted by High Country Audubon 

Sunday, Sept. 11, 7:15-8:15 p.m. Wilkesboro Elementary School, 1248 School St