Chimney Swift Swarm

[Loupey]

Tonight, I witnessed an amazing spectacle. Huge numbers of chimney swifts have called a local chimney/school home during the last several years. Apparently, for a short period of time, this nightly event can be seen at dusk as they return to roost.

I'm afraid that my images do not adequately convey the amazing sight.

I had the honor of meeting the local Audubon president and she reports:

"I counted ~ 3660 swifts entering the chimney tonightSept. 21. The first one
went in at 7:40pm and the last one entered at 8:08pm. Conditions were
mostly fair, some whispy clouds, gentle breeze and temperatures in the low
60's. Several bird watchers were stargazing and taking the time after the
swifts entered the chimney to see the 4 moons of Jupiter and some
constellations. I also estimated there were about 30 people watching the
swifts. Tonight the birds swirled around the top of the school in 3 batches
arriving at different times, the last group flying counter clockwise. At
one point another bird flew into the swirling mass and it appeared the flock
chased the unwanted guest away then came back to resume the clockwise
flight."

Very cool.

[Loupey]

The videographer who was shooting that same night was kind enough to send me a link to his site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RNN-UvvLyQ

It's short - if you'd like to watch the video.

[mjs1973]

Cool shots Loupey, and the video link is great too! This is deffinetly something I would love to see in person.

[drg]

Loupey,

Have you ever seen bats swarm? Very cool. In areas where they congregate, they will often swarm above street lights or the big area lighting over parking lots near water. They are after the insects. Next to impossible to get much of shot but quite an experience. I've come close on a moonlit night in years past. May have to try it again, but I think will probably be a spring project.

A fast wide angle lens to give some scale and setting might enhance the Chimney swift photographs.

Thanks for sharing these.

[Bevb]

I Can imagine what an awsome sight that was, and not an easy challenge!

I must of been gone a while as i have just noticed you have been promoted to Moderator! (correct me if i have got this all wrong)! but Congrats! if right. Where has the Bird Nerd gone?

[Loupey]

Michael - thanks! Yeah pretty awesome sight. They all move as one large group as they swirled and changed directions. It reminded me of looking down into a dark ocean of schooling fish.

drg - many passersby thought they were bats. I did imagine that that is what those large swarms of bats must look like. As for the wide angle shot, you, me, and the videographer all had the same idea. I did use my 17-40mm but you couldn't see more than tiny black spots. Definitely not the feeling of seeing them in front, over top, and even behind. If only we could get on top of the building. Then a wide-angle would be perfect.

Bev, yes you are correct. And the B-nerd promised he would return soon.