Birds in This Story
Chimney Swift
Latin: Chaetura pelagica
One of the great spectacles of bird migration is coming to a chimney near you this month!
Join one of our statewide Audubon chapters for “Swift Night Out,” a series of evening events where bird lovers of all ages can watch the incredible phenomenon of Chimney Swifts roosting.
“They’ll go in one by one until it looks like a vortex, like they’re being vacuumed in,” explains Tom Tribble, president of the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society in Asheville, NC. “I’ve seen thousands fly into a single chimney!”
Experience the magic with family, friends, and our fantastic chapter members this September.
Find an event near you:
ASHEVILLE
When: Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Asheville Civic Center parking garage, 7th floor, 68 Rankin Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Who: Organized by Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details
BANNER ELK
When: Thursday, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Lees-McRae College, 191 Main St W, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Who: Organized by High Country Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details – bring a chair and picnic supper or just come for the show at sundown.
CHAPEL HILL
When: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Franklin Street Post Office, 179 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Who: Organized by New Hope Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details.
GREENSBORO
When: Tuesday, Sept. 4 around sunset at 7:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 18 around sunset at 7:20 p.m.
- Both dates: Join us at 6 p.m. for social time at M’Coul’s Public House
Where: Carolina Theatre, 310 S Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 for event
- M’Coul’s Public House, 110 W McGee St, Greensboro, NC 27401 for social
Who: Organized by T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society
What: Visit our Swift Night Out page for details!
RALEIGH
When: Sept. 15, time TBA
- Sept. 16, 6 p.m.
- Sept. 23, 3 p.m. (Special Young Naturalists event for ages 12-18; RSVP required)
- Sept. 30, 6 p.m.
Where: Sept. 15 at Prairie Ridge Ecostation, 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Sept. 16, 23 and 30 at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 - meet at the big globe on Jones Street. Discussion of natural history of Chimney Swifts from 6 to approximately 7 pm, followed by a walk to a chimney.
Who: Organized by Wake Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details
WILKESBORO
When: Sunday, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Wilkesboro Elementary School, 1248 School, St., Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Who: Organized by High Country Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details – bring a chair and picnic supper or just come for the show at sundown.
WILMINGTON
When: Monday, Sept. 24, 6:45 p.m.
Where: UNCW campus next to tennis courts, Lot A, 601 S. College Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403
Who: Organized by Cape Fear Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details
WINSTON-SALEM
When: Thursday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Northwest Middle School, 5501 Murray Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Who: Organized by Forsyth Audubon Society
What: See calendar listing for details - coming soon!
