Chimney Swifts - learn about TO SwiftWatch April 30, 7 pm

[Rebecca TO Swift]

Learn about our threatened chimney swift population and how you can help identify and monitor nesting and roosting habitat here in the city. Easy, fun and useful! Data is used by Bird Studies Canada, the City of Toronto and MNR.

Toronto SwiftWatch 2014 Season Kick Off
Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 7:00 PM
Rm 2286, OISE Bldg, 252 Bloor St. W.
(by the St. George Subway)
 
Registration and inquiries:
http://goo.gl/PLlvSj
Please join us! Toronto is a big place and we need lots of volunteers  

[Rebecca TO Swift]

Chimney Swift sightings are starting to show up on ebird but alas I still haven't seen one... I checked a couple of hotspots from last year - but no luck! Anyone else seen any? I know they'll be flying over the streets looking for chimneys soon enough but still...  At least I'll get to meet lots of fellow swiftwatchers on Wednesday. We need as many people as possible to keep their eyes open for nests and roosts so do come on out and learn more!

[Rotarran]

I saw quite a few last year at Downsview Park and also near Wilson & Keele...which is just a short drive south.  I'll post as soon as I see some.  So far only Tree Swallows at Downsview.

[Rotarran]

There were a bunch of Chimney Swifts this morning over the Wet Woods at Leslie Spit.  I didn't do a full count but I would estimate about 10 to 15 individuals.

[American Redstart]

1 flying on Royal York near Bloor.

[Rotarran]

I saw about 8 to 10 Chimney Swifts flying above a parkette at Queen St E and Glen Manor Drive.  This was around 6pm.

[Flyingbass]

I saw 3 swifts today at Downsview, it is reported on ebird!

[Rebecca TO Swift]

Thanks all! Keep the observations coming. We're trying to find more major spring roosting chimneys this month since these are really important for population monitoring as well as habitat conservation. Sounds like there are quite a few swifts in North York. The roosts we know are mostly near the lake - I wonder if there's a big one closer to Downsview and Earl Bales. Must be lots of great spots near Queen and Glen Manor too! Let me know if you have any leads.

[Henrique Pacheco]

3 flying over Oakwood Collegiate at 12:10.