Parking lot east of Armory (E Ash & N 7th)

6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During fall migration, Chimney Swifts roost together in groups that often number in the hundreds or more. In the evening, as the sky really begins to darken, the birds swarm to the roost site, circle, and begin to drop into their communal roost. 

And what is their modern roosting habitat? Chimneys, of course! This genuinely exciting birding spectacle occurs right in the heart of downtown Columbia.

The peak show occurs nightly in September and early October. Swifts have several chimneys to choose from in Columbia. Based on prior observations, their chimney choice seems to be reasonably stable from day to day, but factors such as predation may encourage a change in chimney choice. Trip leaders will be doing some advance monitoring and will have a strategy to get people to specific location(s) for hopefully productive viewing.

Location: Meet in the parking lot to the east of the Armory building, north of E Ash St between N 7th and N 8th Streets. This lot has Permit Parking Only signs that apply to daytime hours, but we’ve been told that general parking is allowed after 6 p.m. Downtown parking is also available in nearby garages and meters (all free after 6 p.m.). We might be carpooling or walking to alternate locations (one-way distance of 2 blocks to 3/4 mile).

Timing: If a carpool/walk is required to get to the destination, we will depart the Armory parking lot by 6:45 p.m. so that we can be at our destination by sunset (6:57 p.m.).

Keep an eye on this field trip listing for updates closer to the time of the event.

Everyone welcome! Why not bring a friend? Binoculars are not essential to enjoy this spectacle. 

An optional social hour will follow, at a nearby destination of group choice.

Led by Eric & Joanna Reuter, cherthollow@gmail.com. Also, feel free to update us if you make your own observations of Chimney Swift roost use.