Swift Watch 2010

Swift Watch 2010

If you haven't seen the Swifts yet, it's a pretty amazing site that you can only see in September and late April.

Here is what the Portland Audubon website said about it................

Join us on the lawn at Chapman School 1445 NW 26th Ave. | Portland, OR 97210, most evenings in September for a spectacular display of Vaux’s Swifts as they gather to roost in the school’s chimney. Volunteers from Portland Audubon will be present with information about the swifts, binoculars and a spotting scope for viewing.

Swifts are insect eating birds that migrate south each fall.  At sunset during migration they choose a place where dozens to thousands of birds can roost (sleep).  Since the late 1980’s the Chapman chimney has been one of these roosting sites.

Swift watching – coming to view the swifts as they prepare to roost – has become a very popular activity at the Chapman School site in recent years.  Many evenings in September see in excess of 2000 people gathered on the school lawn and neighboring Wallace Park grounds to watch and listen as the swifts gather overhead before entering the chimney.  Please read the "Community Mindfulness" link and the tips below to help keep the experience positive for all.

This is a free event, open to everyone! It is everyone’s responsibility to make it a safe and enjoyable experience.  Portland Audubon is enlisting the help of every Swift Watcher to develop a spirit of community mindfulness by following and sharing these tips with others:

• Use public transportation when possible. The Portland Streetcar and bus lines #15 and #17 all travel within three blocks of Chapman School. 
• Be mindful of where you park. it is illegal to block a residence’s drive-way, as well as, “double park.”  Plan to walk up to six blocks from where you park to the school.
• Respect the rights and privacy of the neighbors.  You are one of many, many people who will be visiting their neighborhood during September.
• Pick up your trash and litter, as well as a little "extra", when you leave.  Especially cardboard and micro-trash. 
• Leash your dog.  Pick up after your dog. 
• It is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages or Smoke on public school grounds. 
• Keep an eye on your children, we want everyone to be safe. 
• Do not loiter on school grounds after the event has finished.

By following these simple tips, the 2010 Swift Watch will be enjoyable for all who come to view the Vaux’s swifts, as well as to the neighbors who live in the area.
The Portland Police Bureau, Portland’s Department of Transportation, and Portland’s Crime Prevention Program are working together with The Audubon Society of Portland and the Northwest Development Association to help keep Swift Watch a positive experience for all concerned.