In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Join us on Friday, 9/12 for a Swift Week event hosted by the BIPOC BIrding Club!
“We are coming to the end of Swift Week, with just this evening and tomorrow evening's gatherings yet to happen. Although there haven't been swifts in Madison in great numbers as in previous years, it has been great to get together with many of you and feel that camaraderie this week! Thanks to all of you who have joined in, or plan to join in!
Last night, a group of 30 or so people watched 85 Chimney Swifts come into roost at Westminster. We'll have the event there again tonight.”
Day: Friday, Sept. 12
Time: 6:30pm until approximately 7:45pm
Viewing Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Rd. Please do not park at this location (see below).
Parking location: side/neighborhood streets or at Thoreau Elementary School -- walk to Westminster parking lot. Handicap parking available at the Westminster parking lot.
Host: Sean, BIPOC Birding Club
Things to note:
· There is very limited access to this site -- we're saving the church's small parking lot for viewing the swifts. There is also some construction in the area. Please keep these caveats in mind. It's not an ideal spot for viewing but it's where the swifts are!
· This is an informal get together, and the host will answer questions as best as they can.
· Bring a blanket or chair to sit on if you wish.
· Bring snacks, dinner, and non-alcoholic drinks if you'd like.
· Check the weather and dress warmly if needed!
· Binoculars aren't required to enjoy the show, but of course you're welcome to bring your own.
Design description: The black t-shirt is printed with a design showing a swirling tornado of Chimney Swifts silhouetted by the yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue of the evening sky, all converging on a chimney in the background.
Each Swift Week get together will start around 6:30pm, and the location will be determined the day of so sign up to get email updates.
Come join us for casual get togethers in the evenings during Swift Week to watch the incredible natural phenomenon of Chimney Swifts coming in to roost during migration! A birder from one of our organizations will be there to welcome you, share information, answer questions, and hang out to swift-watch.
Sign up on our Swift Week email list to get updates on where the Swift Week event will be each evening, and any weather-related adjustments.