Swift Watch Event Returns to Roseburg's Fir Grove Park

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Migrating Vaux’s Swifts have returned to Roseburg, prompting the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society to reinstate its “Swift Watch” events on Friday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 26, at Fir Grove Park. The birds are roosting in the chimney of the Umpqua Valley Arts’ Clay Place, where they have gathered during migrations for decades. The Audubon Society had canceled the annual watch earlier this month after swifts failed to appear in their usual numbers. But on Tuesday, Sept. 16, about 1,000 birds were recorded entering the Clay Place chimney at sunset, confirming their return. Smaller groups had been seen throughout Roseburg in recent weeks, including at private homes and the nearby Betty Long Unruh Theater. The free public event, co-hosted by Roseburg Parks and Recreation, will begin at 6:30 p.m. both nights outside the Clay Place, 1624 W. Harvard Ave. Swifts typically enter the chimney at sunset, though times vary with weather. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and local flutists Winds of Umpqua will perform during the gatherings.