FYI Rick Knight Johnson City, TN ----- Original Message ----- From: Derb Carter To: carolinabirds@xxxxxxxx Sent: 9/19/2011 2:53:25 PM Subject: Black Swift near GSMNP NC At 11:15 this morning I had a Black Swift circling Hemphill Bald 5500 feet along the eastern border of Great Smoky Mountains NP. It was alone. I also saw a couple of small groups of Chimney Swifts before and after. I had it in sight about two minutes fairly close overhead before it moved on to the south. I immediately identified it as a large swift. I have seen Black in the west and several other large swift sp in South America. It was entire dark blackish. Pointed wings distinctly curved on front edge and broad at base. Tail longer and broader than Chimney. Slightly fanned and squared at tip. Larger than Chimney with broader wings at base. Flight entirely different than flutter and glide of Chimney. Slower stronger wingbeats followed by angled glides. I stayed around the bald for another hour but it did not reappear. I have heard of sightings and perhaps photos of Black Swift in the norteast following Irene with speculation on a Carribean population I do not know much about. I will be here two more days and will watch for it. Derb Carter Cataloochee Ranch And Chapel Hill Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless