Mi Bird-Friendly Communities Lunch & Learn Webinar Series: Chimney Swifts

Chimney Swifts are an urban bird species that have suffered steep population declines in recent decades. Once nesting in caves, cliff faces, and hollow trees, this species has become dependent on manufactured structures to simulate this habitat — most often opting for large chimneys. These aerial insectivores spend their days eating and bathing mid-flight, returning to the roost at night to sleep.

A 5-inch long “flying cigar” with wings, Chimney Swifts are a fascinating species that is dependent upon human structures for their breeding and migration habits. Chimney Swifts gather by the thousands to shelter together overnight in roosting locations during spring and fall migration — most often in large chimneys of older churches, schools, and factories.

Join Juliet Berger, president of Washtenaw Audubon, as she shares her experience with these special birds. She will share some photos and videos and discuss ways to preserve and protect Chimney Swifts.

You can register for the Zoom webinar here.

We will also be broadcasting the webinar live through our Facebook page and a recording will be made available following the event.

This event is a part of our Mi Bird-Friendly Communities Lunch & Learn webinar series. Each webinar takes place on the second Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. and is free.

Webinar dates and topics:

Jan. 12 | Mi Bird-Friendly Communities Program Overview

Feb. 9 | Nest Boxes — Maintenance and Monitoring

Mar. 9 | How To Be a Purple Martin Landlord

Apr. 13 | Bird-Window Collisions

May 11 | Bird-Friendly Backyards Featuring Native Plants

June 8 | Invasive Species — Identification and Removal Techniques

July 13 | Mi Bird-Friendly Communities Program Overview

Aug. 10 | Chimney Swift Conservation Concerns and Monitoring

Sept. 14 | Lights Out and Global Bird Rescue Week

Oct. 12 | Fall Garden Clean-Up

Nov. 9 | Cats and Birds

Dec. 14 | Mi Bird-Friendly Communities — Year in Review

You can view past webinars in the Mi Bird-Friendly Communities Lunch & Learn playlist on Michigan Audubon’s YouTube channel.