As everyone knows Portland is a bit quirky! Some of the quirkiness I enjoy like Voodoo Doughnuts. Last night I added a new quirky Portland thing to my list of enjoyable....watching the Vaux Swifts at Chapman School in NW Portland. In September thousands of these little birds make their way south to Central America and Venezuela and the chimney at Chapman school is one of their resting spots. Estimates are that 2000 - 15,000 roost in the chimney. And probably 1000-2000 Portlanders roost on the hills and yard around the school enjoying picnics and watching the show.
When we first arrived and joined the throngs of people, the swifts were just sweeping the sky acting as if they had interest in the chimney but not actually entering. It seemed that one large group would fly in, buzz the chimney and then in a great choreography of flight swoop out. I think the word is a 'murmuration' but that might apply only to starlings.
Then just as the sun was going down, as if on cue, they started spiraling into the chimney like a giant vacuum cleaner was sucking them in. More and more and more came and entered the roost. I can not imagine how they all fit. On the 13th the count was 6000 but it could be more now. Totally amazing!
Another part of the show was the occasional passing of a hawk looking for his dinner. It was pretty easy pickings! People cheered for the hawks. I heard a conversation behind us between two young women. One was appalled that there were cheers for the hawk while the other just commented that there were LOTS of swifts! I don't think any of the hawks went away hungry. I imagine the hawks are back in the morning for breakfast. They must think it is too good to be true.....so much potential food in one place!
Here is what a Vaux Swift looks like up close and personal. And no I didn't take this picture. If you are in Portland and haven't seen this spectacular show, I highly recommend it!
When we first arrived and joined the throngs of people, the swifts were just sweeping the sky acting as if they had interest in the chimney but not actually entering. It seemed that one large group would fly in, buzz the chimney and then in a great choreography of flight swoop out. I think the word is a 'murmuration' but that might apply only to starlings.
Then just as the sun was going down, as if on cue, they started spiraling into the chimney like a giant vacuum cleaner was sucking them in. More and more and more came and entered the roost. I can not imagine how they all fit. On the 13th the count was 6000 but it could be more now. Totally amazing!
Here is what a Vaux Swift looks like up close and personal. And no I didn't take this picture. If you are in Portland and haven't seen this spectacular show, I highly recommend it!
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