Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2004 23:14:40 EST Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Carol Schreter Subject: Return date for chimney swifts MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Speicher asked about arrival dates for Chimney Swifts. - Based on our SwiftWatch in Baltimore, in Hampden, over the past 2 years, the first Chimney Swifts can be expected overhead on April 15. I then see just one, or a few. The high count for Spring Migration in Baltimore, in Hampden: In 2003, on April 27, we counted 1,063 Swifts. In 2002, on April 25, we counted 4,716 Swifts. Most are on their way north. This is a bit earlier than the Yellow Book would indicate. - Join Baltimore's Swift Watch team in Hampden this year. For a scheduled BBC field trip on Sunday, April 25 at 7:15 PM. For directions, go to www.BaltimoreBirdClub.org. Trip Schedule. - If I had Chimney Swifts nesting in my chimney, I'd be honored. I would not cap off the flu. If a nest fell, it might be that the flu needs cleaning. Too much loose soot, is not a good foundation for a nest...... You said you had too many nesters last year. I thought that just one nest per chimney was the norm. Although the parents may have "aunties," one or two adult helpers. - Watch for an article about nesting Chimney Swifts in the next Yellowthroat! Breeding Bird Survey people are missing the Swifts. Just look for daytime entry and exits June - mid July, and you've got an active nest, adults feeding young. Otherwise, swifts fly and feed all day long, with no rest stops. Carol Schreter, and the Hampden SwiftWatch Team CSchreter@aol.com (410) 664-5151 Baltimore, MD. <<