Hello, and happy April! The swift season is just around the corner – more on that in the coming weeks. For now, it’s time to unveil our 2025 Swift Champions!
Providence University College & Theological Seminary
Providence University College & Theological Seminary, located in Otterburne, is an important place for Chimney Swifts. This site has 3 chimneys that have been consistently used by swifts since they were first monitored in 2012. Last year, we worked with Providence’s Director of Facilities, Darrell Friesen, to organize the cleaning of all 3 chimneys. There was quite an interesting situation in one of the chimneys – this chimney is divided into two flues, and one of the sides was inhabited by a colony of bees! The presence of the bees became quite apparent when the honey began oozing out of the clean-out trap, onto the nearby floor. Darrell worked with an apiarist to move the colony. This year, MCSI funded the repair of 2 of the chimneys. We want to thank Providence University College, and Darrell, for being so enthusiastic about the Chimney Swifts and working with us to make sure the important swift habitat stays in good condition.
Garry Budyk
Garry Budyk, a long-time MCSI volunteer, has played a vital role in monitoring swifts in the Kildonan area of Winnipeg. He has been consistently monitoring the chimney at 712 Watt St for many years, gathering important long-term data on this nesting site. In fact, Garry was the one who first discovered this swift chimney back in 2015! Thanks to the many hours Garry has spent watching this chimney every summer, we have consistent, thorough and detailed information on the nesting dynamics at this site, which is also very helpful for gauging nesting dynamics on a larger scale. Beyond monitoring, Garry has also helped with outreach to the Watt St chimney property managers. In addition to volunteering with MCSI, Garry also contributes his time and birding skills to many other local initiatives, and is a wonderful member of the birding community. Thanks Garry!
Barbara & Phil Barnett
Barbara and Phil Barnett are two incredible volunteers who have both spent countless hours monitoring the years. They have been an invaluable presence in Osborne Village, which is a hotspot for Chimney Swifts in Winnipeg. Barbara and Phil have monitored almost every single site in the neighbourhood, including the big roost on River Ave. One summer, they even succeeded in monitoring every site within a few days by splitting up to tackle different nearby chimneys! Barbara and Phil are wonderful ambassadors for Chimney Swifts, spreading the word whenever the opportunity arises – conversations with local residents, passers-by, neighbours, friends, etc. Through their friendliness and enthusiasm, they have managed to recruit more than a few new swift volunteers. Thanks, Barbara and Phil!
Luc Blanchette
Luc Blanchette has been our eyes in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste skies for many years. Luc regularly monitors the Parish Church in Saint-Jean-Baptist, which is used by roosting Chimney Swifts every spring. Luc also discovered another site in Saint-Jean-Baptiste in 2018, when he saw 2 Chimney Swifts enter the school chimney (École regionale Saint-Jean-Baptiste).
Luc has translated many MCSI factsheets into French, and was key in helping us build relationships with swift sites in Saint-Jean-Baptiste. In 2015, Luc asked the Parish Church if he could access the chimney clean-out trap. With the church’s approval, Luc was able to inspect the chimney’s contents. The presence of old swift nests confirmed that this chimney had been used as a nesting site. The church then became the recipient of our first Swift Champion award.
Luc has spent countless hours chimney-side, but one evening was particularly eventful. Here’s the story, in Luc’s words: “Just for the records, I might have missed some entries because I was distracted during the count by two police officers. Someone in town called the police saying there was a stranger parked in the church area with binoculars… I have been in town for only 17 years… Anyway, after letting them know who I was (driver’s licence and all), what I was doing and describing chimney swifts, their nesting habits and the MCSI monitoring program, they left, laughing.” Ah, the perils of swift watching. We appreciate the dedication! Merci, Luc!
Thank you to our Swift Champions. Thank you as well to ALL of our volunteers. Our program would not exist without you. Thank you for your time, dedication, and energy – we appreciate it so much.
-Marissa
