Seminar Series: Chimney Swifts

Chimney Swifts with Linnea Rowse

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. During spring and fall migration, Chimney Swifts gather by the thousands to shelter together overnight in roosting locations – most often in large chimneys of older churches, schools, and factories. Come to learn about Chimney Swifts, their role within the ecosystem, why their population is in steep decline, how they depend upon humans, and what you can do to help this species. Following the presentation, attendees are invited to caravan to a nearby known Chimney Swift roost, where at dusk, a swirling “tornado” of swifts will spiral down into their nighttime roost.

Linnea Rowse is the Conservation Program Coordinator for Michigan Audubon, overseeing the Bird-friendly Communities program, including species-specific conservation efforts. Linnea also oversees stewardship and habitat management at Michigan Audubon’s bird sanctuaries, and other conservation projects. Linnea received her B.S. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from the University of Rhode Island, and her Master’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from The Ohio State University. She has worked for many different non-profit organizations and researchers, always focused on bird conservation, ecology, and habitat restoration, but until last year had not experienced the wonder and thrill of watching a Chimney Swift “tornado” swirl down into a chimney.

This event is part of the Michigan Audubon Seminar Series. Seminars are free and open to the public. Sessions take place on the second Monday of each month from 7 – 8 p.m. at the Michigan Audubon office located at 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 200, Okemos, MI 48864.