Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Celebration (Swift Watch) Begins Friday

Update: Two years ago, the swifts abandoned the Clay Place Chimney and opted to use a chimney at the Courthouse as their primary fall migration roost. Last year, they were back at the Clay Place; ditto last spring AND for a few days this fall. Then, they quit using the Clay Place chimney, but can still be seen around sunset in the sky and roosting in small numbers in a couple of residential chimneys. When: Friday, September 6, 2024; beginning at 6:30 PM (sunset is about 7:40) Where: Clay Place Chimney in the Fir Grove section of Stewart Park (off Harvard Ave. behind the Umpqua Valley Arts Center) So, what's going on with the swifts????? Was the migration really early this year, and we just missed it? Is the migration really late this year, and will the swifts still show up at the Clay Place? There are reports of a huge gnat hatch in the Eugene area and we don't seem to have a lot of bugs in the air here. Are the swifts just hanging out north of us, stuffing themselves? Did wildfires in recent years create so many hollow snags that the swifts have been able to revert to more natural migratory roost sites? A hawk was regularly showing up at the chimney during the spring northward migration and the few nights this fall that we saw swifts at the Clay Place. Did the birds abandon the chimney because of the hawk? Is there some change to the Clay Place chimney that is making it less attractive as a swift roost site? Could the recent unseasonable heat be a factor? Is there something bigger going on, are there changes in the overall migration of birds this fall? Some clues might be available by checking Cornell Lab's BirdCast bird migration monitoring tool. Inquiring minds want to know! Come join us as we ponder the mysteries of bird migration! Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Celebration: Vaux's Swifts are just one of many amazing bird species that pass through our area in the spring and fall in migration. Federal and State agencies will be joining us to celebrate fall bird migration in conjunction with Swift Watch in recognition of World Migratory Bird Day which brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas – bird migration. Information about migration and bird related activities for kids will be offered. Plus, we may have as special guests a trio of Cedar Waxwings who are ambassadors for all migratory species. Music: The "Swift Sisters and Friends" will host an open jam session featuring Americana music beginning around 6:30. Bring your instrument/voice and join in the fun. Weather Advisory: This Friday is scheduled to be a very warm day. Please bring water and other items to keep yourselves comfortable during this warm evening! This event is a partnership of Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and the City of Roseburg Parks & Recreation. For more information, contact Umpqua Valley Audubon Society at info@umpquaaudubon.org. Via Umpqua Valley Audubon Society