Synchronized Swifts
On late summer-nights, the annual migration of Vaux’s swifts culminates in a can’t-miss spectacle as thousands of birds make their precision dives into the old chimney at the Umpqua Valley Arts Center.
Story by Brittany Arnold Photo by Michael Sullivan
It is at once a romantic, summer-sunset sway and a scene slightly reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.
The Vaux’s swift migration is one of the most unique birding events in western North America—including Roseburg where anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 of the small birds descend at dusk from their synchronized ballet in the sky into an old chimney on the grounds of the Umpqua Valley Arts Center.
Vaux’s swifts make a very long migration from the Pacific Northwest and Canada to Central and South America for the winter, and in spring head back north, making roosting pit stops along the way.
According to the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, the swifts enjoy roosting in old-growth coniferous snags but are often found making do with industrial chimneys that were built around 1940.
Fortunately for Umpqua Valley residents and visitors, the art center chimney serves as a favorite seasonal hotel for the migrating birds. Their nightly show is not to be missed and is definitely worthy of a late summer road trip.
The show starts as the audience watches quietly, eyes glued, awaiting the first bird to descend. The sky is sprinkled with little, chirping black dots, dancing and swirling. The widely dispersed swifts then begin to tighten in a tornado-like cluster above the chimney. The crowd erupts like fireworks as the first swifts dive into the chimney.
“It’s like the start horn of the race,” someone says.“It’s like the start horn of the race,” one says.
The mysteriously-coordinated large, feathery mass twists and turns in a cyclone as a few birds at a time trickle down the chimney to claim their spot.
After that moment, a mysteriously-coordinated large, feathery mass continues to twist and turn in a cyclone as a few birds at a time trickle down the chimney to claim their spot – clinging to the vertical surface.
Although the Vaux’s swift is a songbird, most closely related to the hummingbird, the swift cannot perch. It must cling vertically, using its stiff tail like a kickstand to finally rest.
After about five minutes, and once a few latecomers have made their entry, the birds settle in as the audience applauds. At sunrise, the swifts spill out of the chimney like water from a broken main.
On Friday evenings during migration month, a sea of spectators is usually found spread out across the parking lot of The Clay Place parking lot in the Fir Grove section of Stewart Park.
The Vaux’s swift migration typically makes its way through Roseburg at the end of August and lasts through September. These Friday evenings also can feature music, education and other family activities.
The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society highly suggests visitors come early in September for the best showing of birds. The society, in partnership with the Roseburg Parks and Recreation Division, hosts the swift watch, and Audubon members are onsite to answer questions.
A Hobby For The Times
Getting outside and exploring nature is good for the mind and body, especially during high-stress times like we are in. Birding can be one of the best ways to engage the whole family in the outdoors without needing much experience or equipment. Just pack a picnic and
some binoculars.
Homework isn’t required either. The Audubon Bird Guide app has got you covered. Available for iPhones and Androids, this free app is a complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds. Features include an easy bird ID to help you identify a bird, information on birds and a bird-sightings tracking feature.
The Umpqua Valley is a great place to start, or continue, your birding adventure.
For more information, visit umpquaaudubon.org.
