Bruce Di Labio's Blog: August 20, 2010 Chimney Swifts successful nesting!

Friday, August 20, 2010

August 20, 2010 Chimney Swifts successful nesting!

The Chimney Swift, also known as the "flying cigar" is a relatively small bird, about 12-14 centimetres long, with a sooty brown, cigar shaped body and long slender wings. In flight, it can be distinguished by its acrobatic and erratic flight pattern. This "aerial insectivore" spends most of its life flying and foraging in the air, catching insects in flight. If they are in your neighborhood, you will be sure to hear their high-pitched twittering sounds as they fly overhead.
For the past 6 years we've been fortunate to have a pair nesting in our chimney and we have been able to observe the young a few times a week as they progressed through their stages of development. This year the adults were successful in raising 2 young despite a late start, likely due to heavy rains which destroyed the nest during the latter part of June.
In Ontario, The Chimney Swift is considered a threatened species and as such is protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007. It has also been assessed nationally as endangered by the federal Committee on the Status on Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

Adult on nest July 15, 2010

Adult on nest July 24, 2010

Two newly hatched young, July 28, 2010. The third egg didn't hatch.

The young swifts grow quickly and now show feather tracks, August 2, 2010.

Adult sitting on nest with young, August 4, 2010.

An adult Chimney Swift preforming wing clapping. When alarmed at nest site an adult raises wings fully outstretched, perpendicular to body, while clinging to the chimney wall. It leaps backwards and flaps its wings together 3-6 times in a row. This behavior is to startle intruders. August 6, 2010

The young with eyes still closed were ready for a feed. August 6, 2010

Just enough room for the adult, as the young grow quickly. August 8, 2010

Eyes now open, August 10, 2010

The young giving a loud rasping call, "raah, raah, raah", in response to my presence. August 12, 2010.

On August 13, 2010 the young had left the nest and were clinging to the chimney wall along with the adult.

Close-up showing adult on left. August 13, 2010.

On August 19, 2010, the young are clinging to chimney wall and exercising wings.

A view of the empty Chimney Swift nest located 12 feet down our chimney. The Chimney Swift gathers nesting material in flight. Using their sticky saliva, which acts like a cement, they build their nest of twigs. The saliva is produced from their seasonally enlarged sublingual glands.

One young still in chimney on August 27, 2010. Check out the sharp claws!

A view of the bottom of the chimney reveals a few primary feathers, eggs shells, bird dropping, nesting material and other debris from years of nesting in our chimney.

1 comment:

swiftcareontario said...: How absolutely stunning! You are so fortunate to have had this opportunity to see these amazing birds up close. After successfully raising orphans in the past two years, we have opened a dedicated Chimney Swift rehab centre to care for orphaned, displaced or injured birds.
http://swiftcareontario.webs.com; February 6, 2012 at 11:51 AM

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Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

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Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Friday, August 20, 2010

August 20, 2010 Chimney Swifts successful nesting!

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