Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 08:03:37 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: "George M. Jett" Subject: Re: Return date for chimney swifts MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit James March 14 is the earliest date for Chimney Swift in our region according to the 1996 version of the Yellowbook. George ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carol Schreter" To: Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 11:14 PM Subject: [MDOSPREY] Return date for chimney swifts > 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. > > <<