Birds in This Story
Chimney Swift
Latin: Chaetura pelagica
It’s that time of year, when you can experience the unique migration phenomenon of huge, swirling Chimney Swift flocks roosting at night. In towns and cities across North Carolina, they create tornado-like spirals over chimneys as they enter at dusk.
Chimney Swifts used to roost in hollowed trees before development altered the landscape—replacing trees with chimneys—which swifts now use to rest on their long migrations.
Join one of our statewide Audubon chapters for a “Swift Night Out,” a series of evening events where bird lovers of all ages can watch the incredible phenomenon of Chimney Swifts roosting.
Find an event near you:
RALEIGH-Hosted by Wake Audubon
When: Tuesday September 24 6-7:30 pm
Where: The Willard Rooftop Bar and Lounge, 9 Glenwood Avenue; downtown Raleigh
What: Program & Viewing. View calendar listing for details.
Leader: Leader: John Gerwin (presentation)
When: Sunday, September 29, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Where: Broughton High School, 723 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh (at the corner of Peace and St. Mary’s Streets)
Leader: John Connors
What to Bring: Binoculars are helpful, dress for the weather, folding chair, and flashlight for the walk back to your car.
RSVP to John Connors at jconnorsbird@gmail.com, or 919-841-8206. View calendar listing for detials.
DURHAM-Hosted by New Hope Bird Alliance
When: Tuesday September 3, 6:30-8 pm
Where: Accordion Club, 316 W. Geer St.
What: Neighborhood bar with viewing of swifts as they enter nearby chimneys. See calendar listing for details.
When: Monday September 16, 6:30-8 pm
Where: Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar, 315 E. Chapel Hill St. 919-768-8830
What: Arrive early for seating. Scopes will be provided by NHBA for viewing swifts as they enter roosts. Swifts also typically fly around the roof at sunset. Rain date September 17 if needed. See calendar listing for details.
When: Monday September 30, 6:30-8 pm
Where: Velvet Hippo Neighborhood Bar, 119 Orange Street, 3rd floor
What: Our first time at this location. Swifts may be seen swirling about at sunset and entering the chimney of the Mechanics and Farmers Bank of Durham. See calendar listing for details.
CHAPEL HILL-Hosted by New Hope Bird Alliance & UNC Avian Society
When: Wednesday September 18, 7-8 pm
Where: Davie Poplar historic tree on UNC Campus, 204 E Cameron Avenue, UNC Campus
When: Wednesday October 2, 7-8 pm
Where: Davie Poplar historic tree on UNC Campus, 204 E Cameron Avenue, UNC Campus
What: This historic tree is located on the campus grounds between the Old Well and McCorkle Place. This is the only known tree roost in NC. Swifts can be seen in mass circling over the grounds before entering the tree. NHBA is partnering with the UNC Avian Society. Parking is available at parking decks around campus and Morehead Planetarium. See calendar listing for details.
*New Hope Bird Alliance is selling Protect Aerial Insectivores t-shirts to help fundraise for activities conserving and promoting Chimney Swifts, Purple Martins, and other aerial insectivores. Buy your t-shirt here.
ASHEVILLE-Hosted by Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter
When: Thursday September 26, 6:45 pm
Where: Civic Center Parking Garage
What: See Facebook event for details and updates
GREENSBORO-Hosted by T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon with Piedmont Bird Club
When: Tuesday September 17, 7:00-8:00 pm
Where: TBD
What to Bring: Binoculars and camera phones might enhance the experience.
What: See calendar listing for details.
WILKESBORO-Hosted by High Country Audubon Society
When: Sunday September 15, 7:30-8 pm
Where: Wilkesboro Elementary School
What: Email HighCountryAudubon@gmail.com if you have any questions.
CHARLOTTE-Hosted by Mecklenburg Audubon Society
When: Thursday September 26, 6:45-8 pm
Where: East Mecklenburg Highschool, 6800 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
What: See calendar listing for details
When: Sunday September 29, 6:45-8 pm
Where: East Mecklenburg Highschool, 6800 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
What: See calendar listing for details
WILMINGTON-Hosted by Cape Fear Audubon and Historic Wilmington Foundation
When: Sunday September 22, 5-7:30 pm
Where: Downtown Wilmington
What: Register here.
