What's Happening in Portland, OR…

Every September Vaux’s Swifts stop by the city to roost as part of their yearly migration with one of their favorites and most easily viewable locations being Chapman Elementary School’s towering smokestack in Northwest Portland.

Each year approximately 16,000 swifts take refuge in the elementary school’s smokestack for an evening’s rest. In celebration of this annual event Chapman Elementary School students chose the swift to be their mascot.

Every September the return of the swifts attracts spectators to observe members of the flock going to roost. Portland residents camp out on a nearby grassy bank to watch the birds flying this way and that before entering the chimney for their nightly rest. Sometimes birds of prey such as hawks and raptors add a bit of drama as they attempt to snatch a swift out of the air.

Most nights Bird Alliance of Oregon volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Brochure printing services are often used to educate the public on wildlife and their habits.

It is suggested that those wishing to catch this nightly avian event arrive at least 30 minutes prior to sunset, which at the beginning of September will be approximately 8 pm and toward the latter end of the month will be around 7 pm. Onlookers are encouraged to bring a blanket and snacks, but to please respect residents of the Chapman area by not drinking, smoking, or littering on school property.