Thanks George.

At 05:38 PM 5/25/04, you wrote:
>Charlie
>
>The Birds of North America indicates that Chimney Swift (No. 646, 2002) do
>not nest colonially.
>
> From page one, "When they (Chimney Swifts) return to North America in March
>or April as flocks, pairs of birds soon break away to individual nest sites
>in chimneys or walls of abandoned buildings."  From page 2, "Large flocks of
>unmated birds commonly roost together in large chimneys throughout the
>summer, often leading to the misconception that the birds are nesting as a
>colony."  Both parents may brood, and Chimney Swifts are know to have
>helpers as well, but your flock is likely non-breeding birds.
>
>Interesting reading the Birds of North America.  I bought myself a set as a
>retirement present.  Well worth the money.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>George
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Charles Vaughn" <>
>To: <>
>Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 5:05 PM
>Subject: [MDOSPREY] Chimney Swift questions
>
>
> > I don't have the Birds of North America monograph on the Chimney Swift,
>nor
> > Bent, to check for answers to the following questions. Can anyone help?
> >
> > Am I correct in assuming that the Chimney Swift nests colonially?
> >
> > If they don't nest colonially, do they roost colonially away from the
> > nesting site even after nests have been built, but before eggs are laid?
> >
> > During brooding, does the non-brooding (probably male) member of a pair
> > roost in the nest chimney, or does it go to a colonial roost with other
> > non-brooders and, perhaps, non-breeders?
> >
> > There is presently a roost of ca. 30+ (I didn't stand around and do a full
> > count) birds in a local church chimney. The species is well within the
>safe  dates for the Atlas. Hence the questions.

Charles Vaughn
1306 Frederick Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801