PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – For decades, Portlanders have enjoyed the spectacle of tiny wings circling the chimney at Chapman Elementary School as the Vaux’s Swifts migrate their way south for the season.
This annual event typically kicks off at the start of September when temperatures begin to fall. But in 2024, the chimney in Northwest Portland remained notably empty. The swifts also have yet to be spotted at the school this year.
So where are all the Vaux’s Swifts?
According to the Bird Alliance of Oregon, the answer is unclear. Conservation Director Joe Liebezeit told KOIN 6 News these birds can be fickle, and it is still possible that they could make their way back to Chapman this year.
“Birds change what they do. It can be hard for people to get used to that,” Liebezeit said. “They go where they want to go. They could show up at Chapman tonight, who knows?”
Chimneys like the one at Chapman serve as an urban substitute for the hollowed-out trees these birds seek out in old growth forests. But the act of entering that shelter — the dramatic air show that attracts spectators every year — is when swifts are their most vulnerable.
“They need large chimneys during fall migration to roost in large numbers. We know that they like to sometimes roost in larger numbers because that provides some thermal benefit to them,” Liebezeit said. “They also want to keep away from predators.”
At Chapman, there have been instances of predators, such as hawks, loitering around the chimney waiting to pick off a swift for dinner, Liebezeit said. Other threats include climate change, wildfire smoke, and even man-made drones.
“We do know that recreational drones can cause a disturbance to swifts, and actually to lots of different kinds of wildlife,” Liebezeit said. “A couple times over the past few years, with people using drones at Chapman, we were able to advise them not to do that and move away.”
Liebezeit said there are several possibilities, but none have been confirmed as a direct cause.
In the meantime, the birds have found other places to roost within city limits. The Bird Alliance encourages Portlanders to pay attention to their neighborhoods, where they may find the swifts visiting another chimney.
Liebezeit also added that spectators should avoid overwhelming their neighbors in large crowds.
“When the birds were showing up at Chapman, we had worked really closely with the community there for many years on best places for people to park and worked with Portland Public Schools to allow access for the public on that huge lawn they have,” he said. “A lot of these other sites where the birds are showing up at, we don’t have that luxury.”
If you happen to live in a home where swifts have chosen to occupy your chimney, Liebezeit said you should avoid disturbing them, as they do not pose any danger and will soon be on their way.
The Vaux’s Swift season is short and sweet, lasting only a month from early September to early October. But the Bird Alliance said there is still time to enjoy the swifts in your area.
“Think of it as another way to explore Portland, to find the swifts where they are and enjoy them and also respect people and their property,” Liebezeit said. “Maybe meet some new neighbors and new friends.”
Aimee Plante
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