Photo by Olivia Vanni/The Daily Herald
Swifts Night Out in Monroe Returns August 19th!
Celebrate the magnificent migration of Monroe’s official bird, the Vaux’s Swift
Another year, another migration, and another Swifts Night Out!
We’re excited to be hosting the annual Swifts Night Out event in Monroe again on August 19th. From 4pm until dusk, nature lovers, community groups, families, and anyone with an interest in the spectacular can enjoy an evening on the lawn to watch the Vaux’s Swifts descend into their evening chimney roost at the school. While waiting for the swifts to appear around sunset, there will be children’s activities, vendor booths, and a presentation available in the Wagner Center Auditorium.
Photo by Joachim Bertrands
Vaux’s Swifts roost in hollowed out old growth trees; however, with fewer old growth trees available, they have taken to roosting in man-made chimneys. In 2007, Pilchuck, Seattle, and Eastside Audubon chapters worked together to save the old brick chimney at Frank Wagner Elementary School from demolition. The chimney is a critical migratory stopover for the swifts, hosting more than 20,000 swifts on its busiest nights. As a result, the chimney is designated as a globally Important Bird Area and the Vaux’s Swift is the official bird of Monroe.
Join us for this community celebration of one of nature’s most breathtaking migrations!
Support us by having dinner at the event!
The 911 Grub food truck will be serving hot dogs, cheeseburgers, loaded nachos, and street tacos during the event. Be sure to fill up, as they have offered to donate a portion of their sales to support our chapter’s work!
Thank you to our event supporters!
September, 2013