Chimney swifts at the Brickworks (video)

[mr.sharp-photo]

I've been noticing the swifts increasing in number over the past week.
Yesterday, I was pretty shocked. There were around 50 in the air and they were flying as if they were swallows. Some were taking drinks from the ponds.
They tend to gather over the pond near the purple martin birdhouse and stay on that side of the escarpment. If you're lucky, you'll have some fly 15 feet in front of you - at eye level - while they're gathering.
There are significant size differences. I assume its adult vs juvie.
It really is something to see. I suggest going at 11ish to see the show.

here's a quick video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-77UP4TolA

[newfoundlander61]

Really cool video, thanks for sharing.

[Rob'in'To]

We drove out to that school in Cambridge where Bill Read has been monitoring them.

Our count that night was 417 going to roost in this chimney.  It was awesome!  How they spiral and then seemingly drop down the chimney.  We made a tail gate party of it with drinks and junky food, lawn chairs.  I took some video too, just have to upload it to youtube.