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Beneficial Chimney Swifts not always welcomed by homeowners |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 |
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The Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) is a summer visitor here, but unfortunately, they’re not always welcome. One of four species of swifts found in North America, they’re the most common species found east of the Rockies. The chimney swift is a small, five-inch sooty colored gray-black bird, with a throat that’s a little lighter in color. Its beak is small, but its mouth is wide, large, and an effective insect trap. Swifts have scythe-shaped wings that span about 12” and cross over the tail feathers by an inch or so. The tail feathers are squared off, tipped with pointed bristles. These bristles and the grappling-hook-like toes with tiny claws enable swifts to cling to vertical surfaces from the time they’re only a day old. They have small, weak, feet and don’t perch or stand on their legs like other birds; they’re adapted to life aloft, not on the ground. |
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The Chattering in your Chimney might be Chimney Swifts |
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Written by Carol Lee
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 |
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The Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) is a common visitor to this area, roosting and nesting in chimneys in the summer months. One of four species of swifts found in North America, they are the most common species found east of the Rockies. As their name suggests, they build their nests in chimneys, stone wells, and sometimes abandoned buildings. While they spend much of their days aloft, they are commonly noticed early and again just before dusk as they fly in noisy chattering flocks in search of insects. |
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Barn Swallows cause concern - but shouldn't! |
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Written by Carol Lee
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 |
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Over the past few weeks, the Wildlife Center has received numerous calls about barn swallows, and their nests, in particular. Some area residents are upset about the mess below the swallows’ mud nests on porches and windows the birds leave, and some even want someone dispatched from the Wildlife Center to remove the swallows’ homes. Not only does our staff not do that, it’s against the law to remove or destroy active nests of migratory songbirds because of stipulations in the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act that was promulgated in 1916 and made into law in 1918. |
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Watch this space for new content! |
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Written by Carol Lee
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Monday, 29 December 2008 |
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I will be adding new content as time allows to this space. Articles, news items, new things, old things. |
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Carol's Chatter 
