Swift Watch

Every September, a gigantic flock of Vaux's Swifts spend the month in Portland, roosting at night  at Chapman Elementary, a school in the Pearl with an appealing chimney.   They have been coming here for more than 20 years, and it's a celebrated annual event to come watch them.  Our homeschool group found out what all the fuss is about.  The chimney is very tall, so it is easy to find a good viewpoint.  On the side of the school near 26th Avenue and Pettygrove, there is a hill which has become a favorite "sledding" spot for kids who bring a piece of cardboard big enough to sit on.  Sledding and joyfully rolling down the hill both help them enjoy the wait.   The birds start congregating before sunset, and as it grows darker, enormous bird "tornadoes" fill the air.  After spinning around together in dizzying patterns, they plunge all together into the chimney.  Over and over these spirals form in the air.  As we watched, a hawk decided that the swifts made a lovely buffet and tried to catch one.  The swifts are amazing.  You shouldn't miss them!  Lots of details here:  http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch/swifts_landing