See Vaux’s Swifts at Chapman School in Portland

This short-notice field trip offers a chance to join other Black Hills Audubon birders in the evening to see Vaux’s Swifts at the Chapman School in Portland.   Meet at the rear of the school along the fence line at 6:00 p.m.  Bring snacks to share if you like.

Every year Vaux Swifts migrate south in large numbers and use the tower at this elementary school to roost. It’s a spectacular show, often including a Peregrine swooping in, hoping  for some fast food.  There are a number of birding hotspots in the area to see during the day. Portland Audubon has a list here with links to all the local places. Smith and Bybee Marsh and Sauvie Island National Wildlife Refuge are close to the school in the northwest section of town.    http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/destinations  If you are interested in keeping track of daily counts see this page: http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch/swifts_landing

For a longer outing, join the group for a bicycle ride around Sauvie Island.  Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the park to ride over the bridge to the island.  There is a great farm stand there as well as cafe with good food and beer. There is a refuge on the island also for those who want to see the island but not bike. Of course, there are many other things to do in Portland while waiting for birds to roost.  If you are interested in this, the more the merrier.