Join us for Swift Night Out in Mobile as we enjoy the evening with one of our favorite urban birds, the Chimney Swift. We will meet before sunset to chat about swifts, then watch as hundreds of birds come in to roost for the night and perform their nightly “swiftnado.” The roost at Murphy High School is the largest known roost in lower Alabama!
With your help, we will count the number of individuals who enter the roost. The data we produce will help researchers at the Chimney Swift Conservation Association get a better sense of trends in eastern swift populations and the effects of climate change on these birds’ annual migratory cycle.
ABOUT THE SWIFTS
After these aerial acrobats have fledged their young and cleared out their nests, the entire North American population makes its way south to winter along the remote headwaters of the Amazon River. On their way there, they congregate in huge roosting flocks with as many as two or three thousand birds sharing a single chimney—numbers that make for a tremendous spectacle when they all pour into the tiny opening at once.
This event is free, but registration is required.
LOCATION DETAILS: We will be meeting in front of the main building of Murphy High School, off of S. Carlen Street.
Address: 100 S Carlen St, Mobile, AL 36606
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Parking is available off Wilcox Street, Carlen Street, near the track, or by the tennis courts off South Street. There is some built-in concrete seating, but you may want to bring a lawn chair for comfort. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring bug spray. Binoculars are handy, but certainly not necessary, for viewing the swifts as they assemble in the skies above the chimney. We will have a few pairs on site to borrow if desired!
Accessibility : There are paved, mostly flat sidewalks from all parking areas. Once at the viewing area, we will remain stationary for the duration of the event.