Downtown Columbia

7:00 PM to 8:45 PM

Contact: Erin Holmes, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, erin_l_holmes@fws.gov

Join us to explore the architecture of downtown Columbia from the perspective of Chimney Swifts, and to watch for possible roosting activity during spring migration.

These fascinating birds use open chimneys as overnight roost sites, otherwise remaining in constant flight. Trip leaders Eric & Joanna Reuter have observed flocks of swifts roosting in chimneys on 12 downtown buildings. This walk will feature many of these locations while discussing the surprising behavioral complexity of these birds.

In addition to admiring architecture, we’ll watch and listen for all species of birds in this urban area that often has considerable avian activity. The walk is timed to arrive at the most likely sites for swift activity around sunset (7:59 p.m. on April 28), in hopes of watching some spring migration roosting action over the subsequent half an hour. The prior year’s spring Swift Night Out event featured an estimated 400 Chimney Swifts entering a roost. Migration timing and chimney choice are not entirely predictable, however, so we make no promises!

Meet at the corner of 6th and Cherry (in front of the parking garage) at 7:00 p.m. Total round trip walking distance ~2 miles on city streets. We’ll return to the starting point by approximately 8:45 p.m. Bring binoculars if you have them.

No rain date is planned, so the event will go on rain or shine, unless threat of severe weather forces cancellation. For updates, check the Columbia Audubon listing: https://www.columbia-audubon.org/swifts_spring_2026

This walk is co-sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Columbia Audubon Society.