Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with Michigan Audubon May 4 – 9 with a week of Swift Night Out evenings.

The theme of this year’s WMBD is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” highlighting the role of public participation in bird conservation. Chimney Swift success is now intertwined with human habitation and is one of the focal species for Michigan Audubon community science reporting. Roosts from all over Michigan are monitored and reported to learn about the changing populations of these amazing aerial insectivores.

Swift Night Out, hosted by Michigan Audubon, will be held each night from May 4–9, 8:00–9:30 p.m., at Smith Floral & Greenhouses, located at 1124 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910.

*POSSIBLE ALTERNATE ROUTE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION – Mt. Hope will be closed near the location, please use the posted detours. Please access the parking lot from Alpha St. from the South and West, and using Shubel road from the North and East.

This free, family-friendly event is your chance to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing sky shows: hundreds of Chimney Swifts swirling in a tornado-like formation before swooping into their evening roost. It’s a magical, urban wildlife spectacle you won’t want to miss! Please bring a chair if you would like to sit while watching.

Arrive early to chat with fellow bird lovers and ask Michigan Audubon Staff all your swift-related questions—they will be on hand to share their knowledge and enthusiasm!

Of course, in true birdwatching fashion, we wait with bated breath each evening for their sunset arrival — because swifts are wild creatures, they don’t always RSVP. That just makes the moment they do appear even more thrilling!

These incredible birds have faced steep population declines due to habitat loss, insecticide use, and climate change. At the event, you’ll also learn how you can help protect them through conservation and community science efforts.

If you have any questions, please contact Michigan Audubon Conservation Manager Chad Machinski, M.S., at [email protected] or 517-580-7564 or Kristy Taylor Events & Outreach Manager at [email protected] .

You can learn more about World Migratory Bird Day at https://www.migratorybirdday.org/.