Local Students Work to Protect Migrating Birds

Local Students Work to Protect Migrating Birds

Audubon New York unveils Chimney Swift Towers constructed in City Parks with help of area schools.

Albany, NY – May 16, 2013- Throughout the summer, Capital Region skies are often atwitter with the high pitched calls of Chimney Swifts, migrating birds that winter in South America and return to the area each Spring. This season, thanks to the help of students from the Blessed Sacrament School in Albany and School #2 in Troy and the Cities of Albany and Troy, Audubon New York has rolled out the welcome mat for this declining species by enhancing their urban habitat. 

Chimney Swifts have undergone significant loss of habitat in Eastern forests and have shifted much of their roosting and nesting to urban smokestacks and chimneys in recent centuries, hence their common name. In recent decades, their populations have steadily declined, likely due to a reduction in available roosting and nesting spaces due to removal or capping of chimneys.  Building towers, such as those unveiled today at Swinburne Park in Albany and Prospect and Powers Parks in Troy, provide critical habitat for these birds, increasing their chances of survival and helping their populations recover. 

“This project epitomizes Audubon’s mission of connecting people with nature to help birds and improve their habitats,” said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “The best conservation projects involve multiple partners, and we thank Mayor Jennings and Mayor Rosamilia and their staff for helping to install the towers in City Parks, and the staff and students of Blessed Sacrament School and School #2 for their enthusiastic support and help.  These are important urban conservation projects that will give Chimney Swifts a greater chance of survival. I want to congratulate Rich Merritt on this successful project.”

As part of a project funded by Audubon’s TogetherGreen program and led by Rich Merritt, Audubon New York’s Director of Operations, 4^th Grade students at Blessed Sacrament School in Albany and 5^th graders at School #2 in Troy, launched a letter writing campaign to Mayors Jennings and Rosamilia asking for permission to install a 16’ Chimney Swift tower in City Parks to increase nesting opportunities for Swifts. The Mayors enthusiastically accepted the challenge brought forth by the conservation-minded students and these Parks were chosen due to the high density of Chimney Swifts in the neighborhood.

“I applaud the effort of the Grade 4 students at Blessed Sacrament School for both their interest in protecting our environment, especially the declining bird population, while, at the same time, practicing the tenets of civic engagement,  said Jerry Jennings, Mayor of the City of Albany.  “The placement of “swift towers” will help to ensure that future generations will have the ability to enjoy bird species of all types.  Congratulations to all involved!”

"This project has turned my kids into true bird aficionados! I commend Rich Merritt and Audubon New York for awakening and supporting my students newly found appreciation for our bird friends. We hope the chimney swifts enjoy their new roosting place", Blessed Sacrament School teacher Mary Welch-Burgess said.

Audubon New York has been working across the state to install Chimney Swift towers to boost nesting opportunities for these iconic urban birds.  Recently towers have been installed at State Parks in all five boroughs in New York City.   

“Swifts have already been seen foraging above the towers,” said Rich Merritt of Audubon New York and 2012 TogtherGreen Fellow.  “Each will be able to accommodate up to 150 roosting Swifts at a time, offering protection from the afternoon heat and elements. These sleek towers are even insulated to better regulate internal temperatures during the summer months providing top-notch accommodations for these declining birds.  It was truly an inspiring experience to work with these students and help them to realize conservation success.”

This project was funded through Rich Merritt’s TogetherGreen Fellowship award. TogetherGreen, a conservation initiative of the National Audubon Society and Toyota, selects 40 high-potential local leaders annually to receive a $10,000 grant. With the funds, Fellows conduct community projects to engage diverse audiences in habitat, water, or energy conservation. In addition to receiving support launching their conservation initiatives, the Fellows also benefit from specialized training and the opportunity to become part of an exciting alumni network of conservation professionals.

Footage of Chimney Swifts utilizing a Chimney Swift tower of like design can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7b8PpiNhJg&list=UUyOFwRdghSbXQeqB64A5O3w&index=1, titled “13 Chimney Swifts Going to Roost and Inside” on YouTube.

About Audubon New York

Audubon New York, the 50,000 member State program of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitats that supports them.  Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

About TogetherGreen

Audubon and Toyota launched the TogetherGreen initiative in 2008 to foster diverse environmental leadership and innovative conservation ideas. TogetherGreen funding recipients have helped protect 250 species of birds and other wildlife, improved 10,000 acres of habitat, mobilized 220,000 individuals, collected two million pounds of recyclables, and captured $5 million worth of volunteer time. For more information, visit www.togethergreen.org.