Gathering of swifts truly fascinating

I had heard and read about the large flocks gathering to roost, but never actually witnessed the event. Needless to say, when I was recently invited to see the “spectacle,” I jumped at the chance.

The sky, quite overcast, meant that dusk would arrive earlier tonight. At first, the gray blanket above seemed lifeless. Within minutes a twitter was heard, and a chimney swift was spotted. A fairly common sight around town, this brown swallow-like “cigar with wings” is quite a unique bird.

A second, and then a third bird appeared by a large chimney. Could these be the first arrivals, cueing the gathering to begin?

The group of birds grew to 15, then to 25. As the numbers increased, they circled closer to their cozy brick roost. The chattering was impossible to miss as more than 100 swifts flew in a large, unbroken circle around the chimney. They began to swoop as if challenging one of the group to make the first move. A few dove in, and the rest quickly followed until all but a few stragglers remained. There was a loud chattering as the last few found their way, and settled in for the evening.

The chimney swift is often seen in our cities and towns, nesting not only in chimneys but also in silos, barns, attics, steeples and, rarely, in a hollow tree. Unlike swallows, swifts cannot perch upright because their tiny feet are designed for clinging in a vertical position.

Swifts are almost always seen on the wing, feeding on flying insects. Listen for the “chip” notes and chattering from high above. Also note the short stubby tail and rapid, stiff wing beats.

In addition to fledgings of all kinds, other birds of interest are also being seen in the Southern Tier. Great egrets and snowy egrets have been spotted in Broome County. Also in Broome: Everything from marsh wrens to bald eagles. Red-headed woodpeckers were seen in Tompkins County, and an Egyptian goose in Tioga. The goose, mixing well with Canadian Geese, is likely a barnyard or collection escapee.

Birders’ Watch is provided by members of the Naturalists’ Club of Broome County. This column was written by Jon Weeks. For information on the Naturalists Club, write P.O. Box 191, Vestal, N.Y. 13850.

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