Birdwatching in Monroe by Andrew Acomb

Recently I was in Monroe, Washington for an event called Swift Night Out. It’s held every year on the second Saturday in September where hundreds of people gather to watch the Vaux’s Swifts.

This year about 1,700 people showed up to watch thousands of Vaux’s Swifts descend into the chimney at the Frank Wagner Elementary School (map). This particular chimney is home to the second largest population of Vaux’s Swifts in the United States.

The chimney is only 4 feet wide at the top. So seeing thousands of birds swirl into it is pretty awesome! The birds were around for awhile but unfortunately, on this particular evening, a hungry Cooper’s Hawk flew by which sent the Vaux’s Swifts about 12 blocks east to another building for the evening. Well, that’s nature! At least the birds found a safe place to stay for the night. Even though we didn’t get to see the dramatic finale, I had a wonderful time.

I just thoroughly enjoy events like this. I love seeing people of all ages and experience levels coming together because of their common interest in nature!

Swift Night Out by Andrew Acomb

To learn more about the event, the Vaux’s Swifts and the efforts to save the schools chimney for future generations watch the video in the previous article called Vaux’s Swifts In Monroe, Washington.