What's Happening in Portland, OR…

A free month-long event open to all is the Vaux swifts annual layover at Chapman Elementary School, where the birds come every night to roost in the school’s tower-like chimney.

Each night in September, thousands of the swifts will end their day of insect foraging in Portland by gathering in the sky over the school between 40-60 minutes before sunset. As the sun disappears the thousands of swifts prepare to roost by circling the chimney. Within 10-30 minutes past sunset, the spiraling flock begins entering the school’s massive chimney in a process that take 10 to 20 minutes.

Migrating swifts frequently choose chimneys for roosting and are inclined to return year after year to the same roost. The Chapman swifts have been coming here since the 1980s, It is one of the largest known roosting sites for migrating Vaux’s swifts.

Nature groups, with the help of brochure printing services, often take the opportunity to educate the public and entice new members.

Guests should plan to arrive about an hour before sunset and bring something to sit on, and be aware that as many as 2,000 people an evening have been known to show up. Street parking will not be available, although Free Swift Watch parking can be found at the SELCO Community Credit Union after 6:00 pm, and at Montgomery Park.

Dogs must be leashed, and smoking and consuming alcohol is illegal on school grounds. Viewing is expected to be best during the first three weeks of September.