Regarding the large Roost at the Okauchee Old Norris School #1 in Waukesha
County, It would appear that the large numbers of Swifts are decreasing.
Last week there were up to 4000 Swifts in the area, and last night it was
down to 1600's.
While the weather has been warm and no significant precipitation, the
numbers have been swiftly decreasing, the days are getting shorter, and
perhaps the cold fronts working through the area have activated the
migration instinct into action.
eBird generally shows that most Swifts will be gone by September 30, with
only a few doubles or singular individuals for the next few days in
October.
One other behavior that's unique in the mornings when watching the Okauchee
Roost:
About 15 minutes before sunrise at 6:15 a.m., a Swift pops out, and then a
couple minutes later, about 1000 fly out for the next 30 minutes. All
birds coming out are done by 6:30 a.m. Many of the Swifts fly off and some
stay near with no particular pattern of flight. Then about 6:45 a.m.
Swifts start returning and entering the chimney until about 7:43 a.m. when
no more enter for the next 2 hours. A few Swifts were occasionally in the
area, but not near the chimney. So, 200 +/- Swifts were out and about, but
800 went back in. None were observed exiting by 10 a.m.
*Questions*:
1. What time did the rest come out? It appears that no one was around
when they did.
2. From the night before, how many Swifts were there the next morning?
3. The next evening, there were more than 1000 Swifts entering.
4. Do Swifts leave during the night after they go into the roost in the
dark?
5. Are the Swifts going *into *the nest today the same birds that were
there the day before?
6. Do the Swifts just jump to the next roost south, or do they leave the
state and head further south?
In any case, enjoy them where ever the roosts are for their final fall
appearance!
Spence
Spence Stehno, Ben Goss Bird Club, Waukesha, WI
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