Migrating Vaux’s Swifts Return to Roseburg; “Swift Watch” Back On
Migrating Vaux’s Swifts have returned to Roseburg, with about 1,000 roosting at the Clay Place chimney in Fir Grove Park. The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society will host free “Swift Watch” events Sept. 19 & 26 at 6:30 p.m., offering a chance to witness the spectacle at sunset.
ROSEBURG, Ore. – After weeks of uncertainty, migrating Vaux’s Swifts have returned to Roseburg in spectacular numbers, prompting the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society (UVAS) to revive its popular “Swift Watch” events on Friday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Sept. 26.
About 1,000 of the tiny gray birds were spotted swirling above the Clay Place chimney at Fir Grove Park earlier this week before dropping in at sunset to roost for the night. The sighting thrilled UVAS board member and past president Diana Wales, who called the migration “delightful” and a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
UVAS had previously canceled this year’s Swift Watch after no large flocks appeared during the usual August monitoring. The group had nearly given up hope until Monday, Sept. 15, when reports of large numbers came in. By the following evening, UVAS President Mark Hamm had video evidence of roughly 1,000 swifts funneling into the chimney.
A fragile tradition
For decades, the birds have used the Clay Place chimney and other local structures as stopover roosts during their spring and fall migrations. Swifts once roosted at the Douglas County Courthouse, but that chimney was capped in 2022 for heating system safety. Their appearances in Roseburg have since been unpredictable, with only scattered sightings last year.
Natural roosts for the birds are old-growth hollow trees, but habitat loss has pushed them to rely on chimneys. At sunset, the swifts circle in tight formations before plunging into a chosen chimney, clustering together for warmth against cool nights.
Swift Watch details
The free public events are hosted by UVAS in partnership with Roseburg Parks and Recreation. They will take place behind the Umpqua Valley Arts Center, 1624 W. Harvard Ave., starting at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 and Sept. 26. Sunset times are approximately 7:15 p.m. and 7:02 p.m., but roosting may occur earlier or later depending on weather.
Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs, blankets, or watch from vehicles. Audubon volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, and local group Winds of Umpqua will provide Native American-style flute music during the events.
Still, organizers caution that the swifts are unpredictable. “We can’t guarantee they’ll be there any particular night,” Wales said.
For more information, contact the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society at info@umpquaaudubon.org.
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