The following is an offer from a long-time chimney observer.
“Hello to fellow Chimney Swift watchers,
My name is David Dawson and I have been checking on the Chimney Swifts in La Broquerie for quite a few years already. In the early days there were attempts to attract the Chimney Swifts to artificial chimneys, but without success. I am sure that the reason for the lack of success was that we didn’t understand the mentality of the birds. I am now convinced that Chimney Swifts are more or less genetically programmed to human habitations, because as they expanded their range over the prairies the only hollow structures were chimneys. I’m sure the idea that they lived in hollow trees is wrong. How many hollow trees are you familiar with on the bald prairie?
Over time I have made two artificial chimneys, both unsuccessful, because neither was attached to a building. I couldn’t find anyone in the town of La Broquerie willing to have a chimney attached to their shed for example, and the school wasn’t interested in having one on their roof. The nearest place I could find was in the corner of a farmer’s field about a mile from the town that with my new understanding was a totally inappropriate place. I have given that chimney to Linnea (Tim Poole’s assistant last year) and she has it in Winnipeg attached to a shed. I’m hopeful of success.
Here’s the thing: I have another chimney half made that I would be willing to give to anyone prepared to finish making it and attach it to a shed or garage in a known Chimney Swift area, such as Winnipeg. It is 12 feet tall so would need a truck with an 8 foot box to transport it. On 6 foot legs it would stand 18 feet high, hopefully high enough to attract the birds. There is a man in Minnesota who has several artificial chimneys and all are occupied. His first one was attached to his shed, after which his subsequent ones are close by in his yard.
If you are interested, please phone me at 1 204 424 5042
David Dawson”
