Save The Dates: 2025 Season Kick-off Event & Monitoring Nights Hello and happy spring! With the swift season quickly approaching, here are some important dates to mark down in your calendars. -Season Kick-off Event: Wednesday May 14th @ 7 pm, Assiniboine Park Zoo (54 Zoo Drive) Last year we held our first ever season kick-off/volunteer appreciation event. It was a great success, so we’ve decided to do it again this year! Join us at the Assiniboine Park Zoo on the evening of May 14th for a presentation, food, visiting, door prizes, and a group swift watch!
More details and a registration link to come next week.
-National Chimney Swift Roost Survey Dates:
Wednesday May 21st
Sunday May 25th
Thursday May 29th
Monday June 2nd
-Monthly Monitoring Blitzes:
Wednesday June 18th
Wednesday July 16th
Tuesday August 19th
The monitoring protocol, datasheets and other 2025 monitoring season updates will be shared in May.
Stay tuned for more information! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at mbchimneyswift@gmail.com.
Hello, and happy April! The swift season is just around the corner – more on that in the coming weeks. For now, it’s time to unveil our 2025 Swift Champions!
Providence University College & Theological Seminary
Providence University College & Theological Seminary, located in Otterburne, is an important place for Chimney Swifts. This site has 3 chimneys that have been consistently used by swifts since they were first monitored in 2012. Last year, we worked with Providence’s Director of Facilities, Darrell Friesen, to organize the cleaning of all 3 chimneys. There was quite an interesting situation in one of the chimneys – this chimney is divided into two flues, and one of the sides was inhabited by a colony of bees! The presence of the bees became quite apparent when the honey began oozing out of the clean-out trap, onto the nearby floor. Darrell worked with an apiarist to move the colony. This year, MCSI funded the repair of 2 of the chimneys. We want to thank Providence University College, and Darrell, for being so enthusiastic about the Chimney Swifts and working with us to make sure the important swift habitat stays in good condition.
Garry Budyk
Garry Budyk, a long-time MCSI volunteer, has played a vital role in monitoring swifts in the Kildonan area of Winnipeg. He has been consistently monitoring the chimney at 712 Watt St for many years, gathering important long-term data on this nesting site. In fact, Garry was the one who first discovered this swift chimney back in 2015! Thanks to the many hours Garry has spent watching this chimney every summer, we have consistent, thorough and detailed information on the nesting dynamics at this site, which is also very helpful for gauging nesting dynamics on a larger scale. Beyond monitoring, Garry has also helped with outreach to the Watt St chimney property managers. In addition to volunteering with MCSI, Garry also contributes his time and birding skills to many other local initiatives, and is a wonderful member of the birding community. Thanks Garry!
Barbara & Phil Barnett
Barbara and Phil Barnett are two incredible volunteers who have both spent countless hours monitoring the years. They have been an invaluable presence in Osborne Village, which is a hotspot for Chimney Swifts in Winnipeg. Barbara and Phil have monitored almost every single site in the neighbourhood, including the big roost on River Ave. One summer, they even succeeded in monitoring every site within a few days by splitting up to tackle different nearby chimneys! Barbara and Phil are wonderful ambassadors for Chimney Swifts, spreading the word whenever the opportunity arises – conversations with local residents, passers-by, neighbours, friends, etc. Through their friendliness and enthusiasm, they have managed to recruit more than a few new swift volunteers. Thanks, Barbara and Phil!
Luc Blanchette
Luc Blanchette has been our eyes in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste skies for many years. Luc regularly monitors the Parish Church in Saint-Jean-Baptist, which is used by roosting Chimney Swifts every spring. Luc also discovered another site in Saint-Jean-Baptiste in 2018, when he saw 2 Chimney Swifts enter the school chimney (École regionale Saint-Jean-Baptiste).
Luc has translated many MCSI factsheets into French, and was key in helping us build relationships with swift sites in Saint-Jean-Baptiste. In 2015, Luc asked the Parish Church if he could access the chimney clean-out trap. With the church’s approval, Luc was able to inspect the chimney’s contents. The presence of old swift nests confirmed that this chimney had been used as a nesting site. The church then became the recipient of our first Swift Champion award.
Luc has spent countless hours chimney-side, but one evening was particularly eventful. Here’s the story, in Luc’s words: “Just for the records, I might have missed some entries because I was distracted during the count by two police officers. Someone in town called the police saying there was a stranger parked in the church area with binoculars… I have been in town for only 17 years… Anyway, after letting them know who I was (driver’s licence and all), what I was doing and describing chimney swifts, their nesting habits and the MCSI monitoring program, they left, laughing.” Ah, the perils of swift watching. We appreciate the dedication! Merci, Luc!
Thank you to our Swift Champions. Thank you as well to ALL of our volunteers. Our program would not exist without you. Thank you for your time, dedication, and energy – we appreciate it so much.
It is with sadness that we belatedly report the passing of Neil Butchard.
Neil served on the steering committee of the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative from its earliest days, and he participated for many years. In addition to his service on our committee, he was an avid photographer, frequent contributor to Manitoba Birding on Facebook, and a well-regarded and skilled guide at Fort Whyte Alive.
Neil (image posted on Facebook January 28, 2025)
On a biographical note, here are a few details from a tribute on Facebook:
After his internship at the Children’s Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he returned to Manitoba and spent his career as a school psychologist and Clinical Psychologist in Manitoba. During this time, he touched many lives. Along with his best friend Bob Spencer they formed WEVAS Inc. that helped trained individuals on effective and humane ways of dealing with children and adolescence, who were aggressive and violent. He also did some teaching at both universities and sat on various boards. For a time he was acting director of the Children and Youth Secretariat.
Neil obviously left a lasting impression on those he encountered as evidenced by the following observations posted after Neil’s obituary in the Winnipeg Free Press Passages section (February 1, 2025):
“A bright light has somewhat been extinguished and it will be hard to imagine Neil being gone because he lived life with such positive energy. It was fun to feed a birding question or observation to him because you just knew that he would light up and relish the pursuit or chance for a new insight into nature. RIP good friend and mentor.” – Lewis Cocks
“We remember Neil as a colleague and friend. He was instrumental in the establishment of psychological support services to rural and suburban students in Manitoba. He also pioneered the use of computers for children with disabilities. He was insightful, compassionate and a great teacher.” – Keven & Gloria Van Camp
“Neil was an outstanding leader of birding walks at Fort Whyte-supportive of new birders and keen to share his love of nature. Our sincere Condolences to his family and friends.”- Louise Buelow-Smith & Eric Smith
CHIMNEY SWIFT NEST SITE OUTCOMES IN ST. ADOLPHE, MB, 2024
Chimney Swifts using five nest sites in St. Adolphe have been monitored annually since 2007. So, 2024 was the 18th consecutive year of observing breeding Chimney Swifts in town. Behaviour observations plus the physical evidence seen in cleanout traps were used to assess nesting success at the Brodeur Bros./Daycare and Main St. sites. Only behaviour observations were available to assess nesting success at the SE Club Amical, NE Club Amical, and the Church sites (there are no accessible cleanout traps associated with those chimneys).
Merci et thank you to our swift-friendly landlords and tenants: S. and A. Leclerc; Paroisse St. Adolphe; the RM of Ritchot; and the staff of the St. Adolphe Child Care Centre. Your support of this Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative research program and St. Adolphe’s Chimney Swifts is appreciated!
In 2024, breeding pairs of Chimney Swifts were established at the 5 nest sites between May 20-21 and June 3. Nest building, egg laying, incubation, and hatching occurred at all sites. Unfortunately, nest failures began in July and by mid-month four nests of juveniles were lost (SE Club Amical, NE Club Amical, Brodeur Bros./Daycare and Main St.). Fortunately, the breeding pair at the Church prevailed, assisted by helpers, and fledglings took their first flights outside the chimney July 26-27.
The movement of adult Chimney Swifts from failed St. Adolphe nest sites, and the addition of out-of-town pre-migratory swifts, into the Church chimney BEFORE the young in the nest had fledged was documented for the first time in 18 years of monitoring. It was a fascinating biological event to track but it meant for wild observation periods! The maximum count was 21 Chimney Swifts using the Church on Aug. 7. Swarms of swifts dove toward the chimney before veering off or dropping quickly into the chimney. Sometimes groups of birds burst out of the chimney like popcorn. Tracking parents, established helpers, fledglings (2 at least), relocated swifts from other St Adolphe nest sites and “birds from away” meant arriving at the Church before sunrise to catch first exits of the day, coming back mid-morning to document feeding and socializing groups, then tracking swifts in the evening for roosting or nighttime occupation of the Church chimney. The last Chimney Swift seen in town in 2024 was a lone migrant on the evening of Aug. 27th. All in all, it was a season to remember!
What should be remembered also are the years of unwavering support that Suzanne and Arthur Leclerc provided to me and the Chimney Swifts that called “Main St.” home. Heartfelt thanks are extended for all of your generous contributions! On January 1, 2025 a new family moved into the house that Arthur’s Grandfather built ~1920. While the Leclerc family’s tenure as swift “landlords” has ended, the Main St. chimney will remain as a valuable nest site for future generations of breeding Chimney Swifts in St. Adolphe. We welcome the new family who will share their special home with the swifts.
In early March, Chimney Swifts leave their wintering grounds in the Amazon Basin and begin to migrate north. Crossing the Gulf of Mexico, the birds arrive in the southern US – Texas to Florida – then continue north as they distribute themselves through the summer breeding range. We can look forward to hearing the characteristic chittering of Chimney Swifts in early to mid-May as they race about the St. Adolphe skies. Then, another year of monitoring begins.
I look forward to seeing you by the chimney sides in the spring of ’25 (year no. 19)!
Summary of Chimney Swift breeding outcomes, for five St. Adolphe nest sites in 2024. These results are based on 75 hours of observations.
SITE
NESTING ATTEMPT?
OUTCOME OF NESTING ATTEMPT
SE CLUB AMICAL
YES
UNSUCCESSFUL; failed ~July 10-16
NE CLUB AMICAL
YES
UNSUCCESSFUL; failed ~July 10-16
BRODEUR BROS./ ST. ADOLPHE CHILDCARE CENTRE
YES
UNSUCCESSFUL; failed ~July 6-15
CHURCH
YES
SUCCESSFUL; 2+ fledglings, July 26-27
MAIN ST.
YES
UNSUCCESSFUL; failed by July 17
Prepared by Barb Stewart, Sila Consultants, February 3, 2025. sila.stewart@gmail.com
The Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative will be hosting a presentation at the Dauphin Public Library on Monday February 3 @ 7:00pm. We’d love to see you there! Please spread the word to anyone else you know who might be interested.
This presentation is free, and all ages are welcome. No registration required, though RSVPs are always appreciated. If you are interested in attending, we’d love to hear from you via email at mbchimneyswift@gmail.com.
Dauphin is an important spot for Chimney Swifts. Thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers in Dauphin, we know that Chimney Swifts regularly return to several chimneys for roosting and nesting every year. What we know much less about, is if Chimney Swifts are using natural habitat in the area.
Before chimneys existed, Chimney Swifts nested and roosted in hollow trees and caves. As human settlement expanded, Chimney Swifts shifted to nesting primarily in chimneys. They do still use hollow trees, but we know very little about where and how often this happens. Based on some past observations of Chimney Swifts in forested areas near Dauphin, we suspect they may be nesting/roosting in trees nearby. As suitable chimney habitat continues to disappear, learning more about where and how Chimney Swifts use natural habitats is an important step in the conservation of this species. We released a new factsheet on this very topic this past summer, which you can find here: https://www.mbchimneyswift.com/just-the-facts-new-factsheets/
During this presentation this talk in Dauphin, we will dive into the world of Chimney Swifts, including what we know and don’t know about Chimney Swifts in forests. We hope that by raising awareness and getting more people to look out for Chimney Swifts in forested areas, we might be able to find out if and where they are nesting in trees in Manitoba!
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can send an email to mbchimneyswift@gmail.com.
Please pass along this presentation invite to your networks. If you would like a copy of the poster, send me an email and I can send you a PDF or picture version.
I hope you are all staying warm on this chilly Winter Solstice Eve! With the holiday season in full swing and the New Year just around the corner, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the 2024 Chimney Swift season and share the monitoring summary results.
Thank you very much to the 90+ volunteers (wow!!!) who helped with our monitoring program this year. We are so grateful for this growing community of people who are passionate about Chimney Swift conservation. This program truly could not function without volunteer support, so we really can’t say it enough – thank you for your time, patience, and energy!
We would love to hear any feedback on our monitoring program and your experience as a volunteer – what you like, what you don’t like, suggestions, etc. I’d also love to know your thoughts on the season kick-off event, and if you’d be interested in an event like this next year. Here is a link to a feedback form which can be submitted anonymously or with your name depending on what you are most comfortable with: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHVjFHpsw44dbWaqMl4zbLnafbG6bUeeh1MbCLuvGR_emAxg/viewform?usp=header
You can now find the updated MCSI Roost and Nest Site database on the “Monitoring Results” page of the website or by clicking here. This document summarizes the peak Chimney Swift count (and the date on which it occurred) at each monitored site as well as the date on which the peak count occurred. This document also indicates if each monitored site was used as a roost site or a nest site (based on the monitoring data available). This document also indicates if a nesting attempt was successful or if it was a failure (if known).
Here are a few highlights:
We monitored ~155 sites in 30 communities across Manitoba.
We confirmed 6 new swift sites: a private residence on Kerby Ave in Miami, the Hemp Oil building in Ste Agathe, a private residence on Ruby St in Winnipeg’s Wolseley neighbourhood, Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, the apartment building at 481 Corydon Ave, and the west chimney on the Infirmary building at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre (swifts regularly use the east chimney).
We confirmed the presence of swifts at 14 sites on our priority list.
90+ volunteers participated in our monitoring program.
This year, we tried something new and started the year off with a volunteer appreciation & season kick-off event at Assiniboine Park on May 14. It was lovely to see so many friendly faces, meet other swift enthusiasts, and get excited for the upcoming monitoring season.
As usual, we participated in the National Chimney Swift Roost Survey (frequently referred to as NRMP). This year, the NRMP nights took place on May 22, May 26, May 30, and June 3. By monitoring on these nights (with a focus on sites that host high counts of roosting swifts), we are able to contribute Manitoba data to this national effort. If you’re curious to learn more about this national program, you can visit the following webpage: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/bird-surveys/volunteers/national-chimney-swift-roost-survey-protocol.html On that webpage (in Appendix 3), you can find the annual dates for the 4 spring monitoring nights until 2031.
This year, we also organized monthly monitoring blitzes. Our blitzes took place on June 19, July 17, and August 7. While the spring NRMP nights are useful to know if a site is being used as a spring roost by swifts, we can’t necessarily tell that early on if a site will be used for a nesting attempt throughout the summer. These additional monitoring nights provided us with more information on when, where and how swifts use different sites.
Volunteers were free to monitor whenever worked for them throughout the season, whether that was on scheduled NRMP nights and/or monthly blitzes, or on different days if they were Some volunteers regularly monitored the same site, while others visited a variety of different sites to check for swift presence.
Thank you once again to our incredible network of volunteers.
I’d also like to extend a big thank you to the MCSI Steering Committee for their ongoing support:
Tim Poole, Barb Stewart, Rob Stewart, Frank Machovec, Christian Artuso, Lewis Cocks, Nicole Firlotte, Joanne Tuckwell, Ron Bazin, Ken De Smet, Laura Burns, Meredith Stoesz, Kristin Mozel
We’ll be back in the new year with more swift stories to tell and updates to share.
Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
It’s official – the swifts have headed south and the 2024 Chimney Swift monitoring season has officially come to an end. What a successful season it was! Thank you SO MUCH to our wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers. We will share the monitoring summary in a future blog post once we’ve compiled all the data. On that note, please remember to send in any remaining datasheets!
Now for the final recap of the year:
St Adolphe
Barb did a roost hour watch of the Church on Sept 1 and while she saw 1 lone swallow and a group of Common Nighthawks foraging overhead, she did not see any swifts.
SMHC
Nia and Linda watched the Yellow Brick chimney and T04 on August 29 during the roosting hour and saw no swifts.
Winona watched T01 on August 30 from 7:45pm-8:25pm and saw 1 entry at 8:15pm, 1 exit at 8:16pm, 1 entry at 8:21pm and 1 entry at 8:22pm (2 swifts roosting in the chimney).
Gerald watched T01 on September 3 from 7:50pm-8:00pm and did not see any swifts in the area.
Lower Fort Garry
If you’ve been keeping up with the blog, you’ll know that the Fur Loft had a late nesting attempt and that the site finally fledged last week. Gerald watched the Fur Loft on Sept 1 from 7:27-8:34pm and saw 1 exit at 7:35pm, 1 entry at 7:45pm, 3 entries at 8:00pm, 1 entry at 8:03pm, 1 exit at 8:07pm and 1 entry at 8:18pm (5 swifts roosting in the chimney).
On September 3, Gerald watched the Fur Loft for 5 minutes and saw 2 entries at 8:17pm.
Gerald returned on Sept 4 to check if the swifts were still there. There were no swifts to be seen, confirming that the adults and young of the year have officially departed!
That wraps up our final monitoring update of the year. We will be back soon with a season summary to share.
Well, we’ve reached the end of August and fall is officially in the air! Swift numbers are definitely dwindling in most spots now – many of your reports this week indicated no swifts around. However, they are still present in some areas. Interestingly, as of August 28, there were still swifts in The Pas which is the northernmost part of their range! More details in the monitoring summary below.
The swifts will likely all be gone from Manitoba in the next week (or two, if there are some real stragglers). Thank you for your continued monitoring efforts, and please don’t forget to send in your datasheets!
Lower Fort Garry
Gerald monitored at Lower Fort Garry on August 26 from 7:45pm-8:54pm. At the Fur Loft, there was 1 entry/exit around 7:59pm, 1 entry/exit at 8:13pm, 1 entry/exit at 8:18pm, 1 entry at 8:32pm and 1 entry at 8:33pm (2 swifts roosting in the chimney). Wow, feeding still ongoing!!! At the Men’s House, there was no activity – it seems those adults and fledglings have officially departed.
Gerald returned on August 29 to check on the nesting attempt. He watched the Fur Loft from 8:10pm-8:45pm, and saw 2 entries at 8:11pm, 1 exit at 8:13pm, 1 entry at 8:19pm, 1 exit at 8:20pm, 1 entry at 8:20pm, 1 entry at 8:28pm, 1 exit at 8:29pm, 1 entry at 8:34pm and 1 entry at 8:35pm. That’s 5 swifts roosting in the chimney! Great news – it looks like this late nesting attempt has resulted in successful fledging! A MASSIVE thank you to Gerald for the hours and hours of work this season, from all his own monitoring time to coordinating the Selkirk Birdwatchers Club monitoring efforts.
Selkirk Mental Health Centre
Gerald monitored T01, T03 and the Infirmary chimney on August 24 from 7:50pm-9:02pm (with the help of his trusty camera set-up). At T03, he saw 6 entries between 8:29pm and 8:56pm (6 swifts roosting in the tower). At the Infirmary chimney, he saw 1 entry at 7:55pm, 1 exit at 8:15pm, 1 entry at 8:28pm, 7 entries between 8:45pm-8:47pm, 4 exits between 8:48pm-8:50pm, and 1 entry at 8:56pm (up to 8 swifts in the chimney but 5 swifts inside the chimney at the end of the roosting hour). At T01, there was zero activity observed.
St Adolphe
On August 27, Rob and Barb did a roosting hour watch at the Church chimney.
Barb reports: “A single swift was feeding low over the cemetery. Then two were spotted, then four. Well, that was a good start. After repeat sightings of one to four swifts, a ruckus broke out just at sunset involving a low flying group of swifts mixed with Barn Swallows; it was impossible to count which bird was what species at this dark point of the evening skirmish. A predatory hawk, small sized – let’s call in a “merlin” – was being mobbed. The hawk roosted on top of the hydro pole behind the rectory and sat there undisturbed, rubbing its bill on the top of the pole. After ~3 minutes the hawk flew off. We didn’t see a swift after that for the next ~25 minutes. And, voila, the roosting hour was over.”
While 4 swifts were seen in the air, there were no entries/exits at the Church chimney. Barb and Rob aren’t sure where the swifts ended up roosting.
The Pas
Danica and Grace watched the Loraine Apartments chimney (114 3rd St W) on August 28 from 1:01pm-2:01pm. They saw lots of activity – 1 exit at 1:01pm, 1 entry at 1:17pm, 1 exit at 1:18pm, 1 entry at 1:29pm, 1 entry at 1:30pm, 1 exit at 1:30pm, 1 entry at 1:31pm, 1 exit at 1:32pm, 1 entry at 1:32pm, 1 exit at 1:32pm, 2 entries at 1:33pm, 2 exits at 1:33pm, and 3 entries at 1:34pm. They saw up to 5 swifts flying at once, with 4 of these swifts seen using the chimney. Danica and Grace mentioned that they believe the group of 5 swifts includes 2 adults and 3 fledglings.
Portage la Prairie
On August 28, Gordon and Jana monitored the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada from 8:00pm-8:45pm and saw no swifts.
Winnipeg
One of our priority sites this year is L&B Towers (415 Edison Ave). Earlier this summer, we thought this site was capped but it turns out there is in fact a chimney still open on this building, it’s just very tricky to see! On August 27, Tim was at this site and saw 4 swifts flying around L&B Towers, including 1 exit from the chimney. Woohoo, confirmed!
Donna monitored St Paul the Apostle Parish on August 25, from 40 minutes before sunset until 15 minutes after sunset. She did not see any swift activity.
On August 23, Blair monitored 261 Youville St from 7:59pm-8:50pm and saw no swifts. On August 26, Blair monitored 1310 Archibald St from 7:46pm-8:27pm and saw no swifts at this site as well.
Breanne regularly monitored the Maryland Foodfare throughout the summer. On August 14, she monitored from 7:50pm-9:20pm and saw 1 entry at 8:44pm and 1 entry at 8:46pm. On August 27, she monitored from 7:25pm-8:55pm and did not see any swifts.
It looks like the swifts have now departed from most Winnipeg sites.
Updated Priority Site List (August 30):
Community
Neighbourhood
Address
Site
Observer
Eriksdale
–
16 Railway Ave
St John’s Anglican Church and former Eriksdale Museum
As we near the end of August, the swift counts in many areas are now starting to vary greatly from night to night. Most swifts have now wrapped up their nesting attempts, and the adults and fledglings are gearing up to head south (though there seems to be one site with feeding still ongoing – details in the Lower Fort Garry update below). This is an exciting time of year because you might notice migrating swifts roosting in a chimney that wasn’t being used during the nesting season. As always, keep an eye and ear out and let us know if you have any observations to report!
Dauphin
On August 21, Pat watched the Hong Kong Café chimney during the roosting hour. 7 swifts entered the chimney for the roosting hour. Pat notes: “At several times I saw 7-9+ swifts fling about but when all was said and done, only 7 went down the roost chimney. They were all flying about, chasing each other and then they were gone? I did notice one that tried to go down earlier but it had trouble lining itself up and fluttered off after one attempt so I suspect a YOY” – yep, sounds like fledglings! Great to hear.
Because the number of swifts seen in the sky during Pat’s monitoring session was higher than the number of swifts that were seen entering the Hong Kong Café chimney, Ken was curious to see if some of these swifts were roosting in the Old Scott’s Hardware chimney (which is the nearest known chimney to the Hong Kong Café). Ken monitored the Old Scott’s Hardware chimney the next evening (Aug 22) but did not see any swifts using this chimney. As Ken put it, “the mystery continues!”
La Broquerie
Frank watched the St Joachim Church in La Broquerie on August 18 from 7:50pm-9:10pm. At the large chimney, he saw 2 entries at 8:11pm, 1 entry at 8:18pm, and 2 entries at 8:22pm (5 swifts roosting in the chimney). At the small chimney, he saw 1 entry at 8:06pm, 1 entry at 8:17pm, 1 exit at 8:18pm, 1 entry at 8:24pm, and 1 entry at 8:33pm (3 swifts roosting in the chimney).
The two chimneys at the St Joachim Roman Catholic Church in La Broquerie. Photo by Frank Machovec.
Lockport
On August 17, Gerald watched the St Andrews Lock and Dam Maintenance Compound from 8:00pm-9:10pm. He saw 1 swift rapidly enter the south chimney at 8:54pm. There were no entries or exits into the north chimney.
On August 21, Fred and Nettie monitored these chimneys from 7:30pm-9:05pm and saw no activity.
Lower Fort Garry
On August 20, Gerald watched the Lower Fort Garry sites on from 7:45pm-9:06pm. At the Fur Loft, there was 1 exit at 8:04pm, 1 entry/exit around 8:13pm, 1 exit at 8:18pm, 1 entry/exit at 8:33pm, 1 entry/exit around 8:38pm, 1 entry/exit around 8:43pm, and 2 entries at 8:51pm (2 swifts roosting in the chimney). Seems like feeding activity – this late breeding attempt is still ongoing! We’re guessing that this site should fledge within the next week – we will see what happens.
At the Men’s House, there were 3 entries at 8:39pm, 2 entries at 8:40pm, 1 edit at 8:43pm, 1 entry at 8:48pm, 1 entry at 8:49pm, 1 exit at 8:50pm and 1 entry at 8:51pm (6 swifts roosting in the chimney).
Selkirk Mental Health Centre
On August 17, Patti and Dennis watched T02 from 8:08pm-9:13pm and saw 4 entries between 8:41pm-9:04pm (4 swifts roosting in the chimney).
On August 22, Linda and Nia watched the Yellow Brick chimney and T04 from 7:58pm-9:05pm. At the Yellow Brick chimney, they saw 4 entries between 8:36pm-8:51pm (4 swifts roosting in the chimney). At T04, they saw 3 entries at 8:44pm, 2 entries at 8:46pm, 1 exit at 8:47pm, 1 entry at 8:48pm, 1 entry at 8:54pm, 2 entries at 8:55pm, 1 exit at 9:15pm, 1 exit at 9:16pm, and 1 entry at 9:16pm (up to 8 swifts in the chimney but only 7 swifts in at the end of the roosting hour).
Southport
On August 21, Jana watched the Mynarski House from 7:53pm-8:58pm and saw only 1 swift, which entered the chimney at 8:27pm.
Wasagaming
On August 11, Ellie monitored the chimney at 306 Buffalo Drive from 8:30-9:30pm and saw no activity.
Updated Priority Site List (August 23):
Community
Neighbourhood
Address
Site
Observer
Eriksdale
–
16 Railway Ave
St John’s Anglican Church and former Eriksdale Museum
We have officially reached mid-August – time is really flying by. Before we know it, the swifts will be departing. There’s lots of great monitoring still happening – thank you as always to our incredible volunteers!
If you want to get another monitoring session or two in before the end of the season, I recommend looking at our priority list (at the end of this blog post) and checking out one of these sites during the roosting hour! If there isn’t a site on this list that works for you to monitor, send us a message and we can give you some more options of other sites that haven’t been watched yet this year and that would be worth checking for occupancy.
Let’s get right into the monitoring updates.
Darlingford
On August 13, Frank drove out to Darlingford for a roost hour watch of the Darlingford School Heritage Museum, from 8:20pm-9:30pm. He saw two swifts enter the chimney at 8:41pm, and 1 more entry at 8:59pm (3 swifts roosting in the chimney).
Darlingford School Heritage Museum (rear view). Photo by Frank Machovec.
Portage la Prairie
On August 13, Jana watched the Mynarski House in Southport and saw 2 entries at 8:27pm, 2 entries at 8:36pm, and 1 entry at 8:41pm (5 swifts roosting in the chimney).
On August 14, Gordon watched the Trinity United Church from 8:28pm-9:15pm. He saw 2 entries at 8:39pm, 1 entry at 8:57pm, and 1 entry at 9:02pm (4 swifts roosting in the chimney).
The Pas
Joel has been regularly monitoring the Lorraine Apartments in The Pas. On July 25 he monitored from 8:44am-9:14am and did not see any activity. On July 13, he monitored from 9:21am-9:51am and saw 1 entry/exit at 9:29pm. On August 8th, he monitored from 2:13pm-2:30pm and noticed at least 2 adult swifts (possibly 3) silently entering and exiting the chimney every few minutes. On August 16th, he monitored from 9:43am-9:55am and saw 1 entry at 9:54am, and 2 exits at 9:55am.
St Adolphe
Barb and Rob did a roosting hour watch at the Church on August 11 and counted 19 swifts in the chimney at the end of the roosting hour, which is 2 down from their roosting hour count on August 7.
Lower Fort Garry
On August 14, Gerald did two monitoring sessions at Lower Fort Garry – one during the daytime (11:45am-12:30pm) and one during the roosting hour (8:00pm-9:12pm). During the daytime at the Fur Loft, there was 1 entry at 12:26pm and 1 exit at 12:26pm. At the Men’s House, there were 2 entries at 12:13pm and 1 exit at 12:22pm. During the roosting hour at the Fur Loft, there was 1 entry/exit around 8:05pm, 1 entry/exit at 8:14pm, 1 entry/exit around 8:26pm, 1 entry at 8:45pm and 1 entry at 8:46pm (2 swifts roosting in the chimney). At the Men’s House, there was 1 entry/exit around 8:00pm, 2 entries at 8:15pm, 2 probable entries at 8:18pm (Gerald briefly had to look at the camera to change the battery), 1 exit at 8:19pm, 2 entries at 8:37pm, and 1 entry at 8:43pm (at least 4 swifts roosting in the chimney, but possibly 6 swifts roosting in the chimney).
It seems feeding is ongoing at the Fur Loft, and there are fledglings at the Men’s House.
Selkirk Mental Health Centre
On August 9, Evan monitored T03 and the Infirmary chimney from 8:25pm-9:30pm. Once again, there was lots of activity at both these sites! During the 65-minute session, there were up to 21 swifts seen flying overhead. At the Infirmary, there were a total of 18 entries and 15 exits, with up to 4 swifts in the chimney at once but only 3 swifts in the chimney at the end of the roosting hour. At T03, there were 15 entries and 14 exits, with only 1 swift confirmed in the chimney at once and 1 swift in the tower at the end of the roosting hour – that’s a lot of ins and outs!
On August 12, Patti and Dennis monitored T02 from 8:08pm-9:24pm. Between 8:57pm and 9:19pm, they saw 13 entries and 4 exits, with 9 swifts in the chimney at the end of the roosting hour!
On August 13, Fred and Nettie monitored T01 from 7:40pm-9:25pm. They saw 1 exit at 7:54pm, 1 exit at 8:15pm, 1 entry at 8:29pm, 1 exit at 8:30pm, 1 entry at 9:05pm, and 1 entry at 9:06pm (2 swifts roosting in the chimney). Nia and Linda monitored the Yellow Brick chimney from 8:28pm-9:28pm, and saw 2 entries at 8:50pm, 1 entry at 8:52pm, 1 entry at 8:53pm, and 1 exit at 9:01pm (3 swifts roosting in the chimney). At T04, Linda and Nia saw 1 entry at 8:40pm, 2 entries at 8:45pm, 1 entry at 9:00pm, 1 entry at 9:09pm, 2 exits at 9:10pm, 3 entries at 9:15pm, 1 exit at 9:15pm, 1 exit at 9:16pm, and 1 entry at 9:16pm (5 swifts roosting in the chimney).
On August 15, Winona monitored the Infirmary and T03 during the evening. At the Infirmary chimney, she saw 11 entries and 6 exits, with 5 swifts roosting in the chimney. At T03, she saw 5 entries and 3 exits, with 2 swifts roosting in the chimney.
Selkirk
Winona monitored the Merchant’s Hotel on August 9 from 8:30pm-9:15pm but did not see any activity.
Gerald monitored the Main St apartment building on August 9 from 8:25pm-10:20pm. He saw 1 entry at 8:47pm and 1 entry at 8:56pm.
Winnipeg
John monitored the CMU chimney during the daytime on August 10, from 2:53pm-4:01pm. There was not much activity – only 1 brief swift fly-by at 4:01pm (no entries or exits). John returned to monitor the chimney on August 11, this time in the evening from 7:59pm-9:23pm, to see if there were any swifts roosting in the chimney. He saw 1 entry at 8:42pm ,1 slow fluttering entry at 8:50pm, 2 entries at 8:59pm (one of which was a slow fluttering entry), 1 entry at 9:09pm, and 1 entry at 9:16pm. That’s a total of 6 swifts roosting in the chimney! The slow fluttering entries and high swift counts could indicate the presence of fledglings, and supports a successful nesting attempt at this site! On August 12, Graham did a roosting hour monitoring session at the chimney, from 8:16pm-9:20pm. He saw 1 entry at 8:15pm, 1 entry at 8:25pm, 1 entry at 8:50pm, 1 entry at 8:54pm, 1 entry at 9:02pm, and 1 entry at 9:06pm (6 swifts roosting in the chimney once again). Graham noted that he thinks the last swift that entered was definitely a fledgling because it spent a few minutes circling the chimney before finally attempting to enter.
Aynsley monitored the tower at the Assiniboine Park Zoo on August 13 during the roosting hour. She observed up to 3 swifts using the tower, with 1 swift in the tower at the end of the roosting hour.
Jennifer watched the chimney at 340 Provencher Blvd (CCFM) on August 9, for approx. 30 minutes just after sunset. She saw 2 entries within a few minutes of each other. The next day on August 10, she watched the chimney again for 25 minutes during the roosting hour. There was 1 entry at 8:48pm, 1 exit followed by 1 entry at 8:51pm, 1 exit at 8:54pm, 1 entry at 9:01pm and 1 entry at 9:02pm.
Updated Priority Site List (August 16):
Community
Neighbourhood
Address
Site
Observer
Eriksdale
–
16 Railway Ave
St John’s Anglican Church and former Eriksdale Museum
