See Swirling Swifts This Fall

Every fall, flocks of tiny bat-like birds exhibit one of the greatest migration spectacles: hundreds and thousands of swifts gather into a swirling bird tornado above their chimney roost site. As the sun sets, the birds drop into the chimney one by one to spend the night. 

They gather at roost sites throughout North Carolina as they stage their long migration journeys to South America. The phenomenon happens over towns and cities every fall and is an accessible and amazing way to enjoy fall bird migration with your local chapter. 

Check out the schedule below to find a Swift Night Out watch event near you. 

New Hope Bird Alliance (Chatham, Durham, Orange)

1. September 8, 7pm at The Davie Poplar Tree on UNC Chapel Hill's campus (204 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514)
2. September 22, 6:30pm at the Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar (Arrive early for seating 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, 919-768-8830)
3. September 28, 7pm at The Davie Poplar Tree on UNC Chapel Hill's campus (204 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514)
4. September 29, 7pm at The Velvet Hippo (119 Orange Street, 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27701)

Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter (Buncombe, Henderson, surrounding WNC counties)

1. September 24, 6:45-8pm on the Roof of the Civic Center (Harrah's garage, 68 Rankin Ave, Asheville, NC 28801)

T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society (Guilford, Caswell)

1. September 16, 6:30-8pm location TBD

High Country Audubon (Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga, Wilkes)

1. September 13, 7-8:30pm at Wilkesboro Elementary School (1248 School St, Wilkesboro, NC). The swifts begin to gather around 7:30pm. Members usually arrive by 7:00 with some arriving earlier to picnic. The swifts begin to descend into the chimney around 8:00pm and are done by 8:30pm.

Forsyth Audubon (Forsyth)

1. Date & time TBD at the Northwest Middle School (5501 Murray Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106)