News and posts

Join us for a swift night out

Monday, June 3 in Saint Adolphe
 (rain date June 10)

Meet at 8:00 pm in the parking lot
 of the Catholic Church

There are five active chimneys in the area, and there is an artificial nesting tower, too. There should be lots of activity as swifts search for insects and drop into nests in the area.

Saint Adolphe is 25 km south of Winnipeg on Hwy 200 (St Mary’s Road)

DOOR PRIZES -REFRESHMENTS-A NICE TRIP-WILDLIFE VIEWING

for more information, call 204-798-6275

They’re back (well they’re coming !)

Now that Spring is here, our thoughts turn to our favourite aerial insectivores. It shouldn’t be too long before the chimney swifts return to Friendly Manitoba from southern climes.

The Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative is planning for the 2013 monitoring season, and we’re looking for new and returning volunteers!

This year, in accord with a developing national strategy for chimney swift program, we encourage monitors to check their sites during the roost hour on four specific nights: May 22, May 26, May 30, and June 3.
 We certainly encourage more frequent viewing, but we’d like to have data to share with the national initiative.

Look for forms and monitoring guidelines (including the new national four day protocol and much much more) at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/resources.html

Watch this blog for periodic updates once the swifts are back.

If you would like to view the presentations given at a recent national  chimney swift conference, check http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/links_papers.html

For more information about the project or to ask about potential sites for monitoring, please feel free to give me a call at 204-798-6275.

Watch the skies but don’t over stress those necks!

Frank Machovec

News flash!

The Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative has just been informed that we received a grant from the Manitoba Endangered Species and Biodiversity Fund.

The grant is intended to support activities undertaken during the 2012 -2013 fiscal year. These activities include the monitoring of nest and roost sites, liaison with other swift monitoring programs, and outreach activities.

This is the End! (of the 2012 season)

The Doors lyrics had it right– “Of our elaborate plans, the end”

Our swifts have deserted our skies for points south.

Now it’s time for a wrap up of 2012 activities by the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative.


2012 was a difficult year in terms of volunteer effort, success with grant requests, and with the observation of swifts themselves. Approximately twenty-five volunteers submitted monitoring reports, but, especially in Winnipeg, we could have used more people to generate more data points. At a number of sites, we received few observations this season. On the positive side, we did recruit some new volunteers in smaller communities with active chimneys, and we retained a core group of committed volunteers. We also received a few “casual” reports that suggest new areas for monitoring  both in Winnipeg and in outlying areas (such as Souris, Winkler,, Steinbach, and Wasagaming). Previously unknown and active sites in Lorette, Otterburne, and Clearwater were also identified and monitored in 2012.
Monitoring results:
As far as our roost sites in Selkirk, Carman, and Dauphin , monitoring results for 2012 are mixed. Dauphin numbers are up from last year, Selkirk numbers are stable, and Carman results are diminished.
Because of the limited number of reports, it is difficult to draw reliable conclusions about overall success at nest sites. It appears that a number of usually-active Winnipeg sites have been abandoned, while reports from a variety of other areas suggest “business as usual” from visiting swifts. Based on monitoring reports, it looks like we had successful  breeding  in Winnipeg (four sites in the Saint James area). Winnipeg (Fort Garry). Winnipeg (Lord Roberts),  Winnipeg (Saint Boniface), Portage la Prairie (two sites),  Saint Adolphe (see report), Carman, La Broquerie, Clearwater (two sites), and Brandon (two sites). Check the Saint Adolphe annual report (see link below) for an account of breeding success and swift behaviour from an area with five well-observed chimneys.
None of the six artificial structures showed evidence of use this year.
The 2012 season in numbers–

  • ·         25 Sites monitored in Winnipeg– 15 Active sites
  • ·         28 Sites monitored outside of Winnipeg– 25 Active sites
  • ·         6 Artificial towers checked—None used by swifts
  • ·         19 Casual reports received—Winnipeg, Souris, Winkler, Wasagaming, Steinbach
  • ·         6 “New” active chimneys identified—Lorette, Otterburne (3), Clearwater (2)

The summary may be seen at http://bit.ly/MABro1, and the complete spreadsheet with individual  site reports  by site and locations of casual reports may be obtained by contacting the project coordinator at mbchimneyswift@gmail.com.  Check our website at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/index.html  for other information about the project.
From Saint Adolphe “The Chimney Swift Capital of Manitoba”
Saint Adolphe  has a unique cluster of five active chimneys and a very dedicated group of observers. It even has one of our artificial towers. Due to the vigilance of the Stewarts, our project has excellent data on swift behaviour and breeding success in St. Adolphe.  Annual reports since 2009 are available on the “resources” page of our website, and the new report for 2012 in PDF format  may be found is at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/Documents/MCSI2012STADOLPHESUMMARY.pdf. The St. Adoplhe reports are particularly interesting since we have interpretation of results of many nights of simultaneous monitoring of all sites, and  we have inspection of chimney clean-outs to document presence of nests, egg shells, etc.
Artificial Towers:
2012 witnessed the erection of a new tower in the La Broquerie area. This “artificial tree,” constructed by a committed volunteer, offered wooden construction and more height above aground than our other towers. Unfortunately, this tower, like its brick and cinder block counterparts in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, Saint Adolphe, and Starbuck was not used by swifts this year. 
Temperature probes were placed in the La Broquerie tower, and the temperature results show a consistent but very slight (fraction of a degree) difference in temperature between the outside temperature and the temperature inside the tower. Unfortunately, the tower was not used by swifts, and we have no comparable temperature results from a nearby “active” chimney for comparison.  Previous studies have shown a slight temperature differential between the interior and exterior of artificial towers, but heat retention seems slightly better (and presumably more attractive to swifts) in a conventional masonry chimney.
Looking ahead to next year- Objectives for 2013:

  • ·         Recruit more volunteers to monitor known sites
  • ·         Check out a number of possible sites, especially in Winnipeg
  • ·         Encourage the large number of Breeding Bird Atlassers to check town sites in their areas for swift activity. There is a large pool of observers who may be able to provide a better indication of swift presence and absence throughout Manitoba. Atlassers’ reports should also help us locate new roost and nest sites.
  • ·         Continue with outreach activities through our web site, blog, displays at public events, and through other media.
  • ·         Liaise with other Canadian swift groups regarding the design of artificial habitat and best practices for monitoring
  • ·         Maintain contact with staff at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre (location of a major roost site and two other active chimneys)

Going, going, gone ??

NEARING THE END OF AN INTERESTING SEASON
I’ve just added a number of recent reports to the monitoring results  spreadsheet, and it looks like we’ve had another mixed bag of results. Indications from sites like the well-observed Saint Adolphe area suggest some nest failure, while other areas (La Broquerie, St Johns Ravenscourt and some Portage Avenue sites come to mind) suggest “business at usual.” Numbers from our venerable roost sites seem to be down from past years.

We’ll take another look at the 2012 results when more of your reports come in.

Updated monitoring results may be seen at http://bit.ly/MABro1

We’ve certainly lost a few volunteers this year, but we have been able to get some data points from all sites that were active last year. We’ve even identified some “new” sites and received casual reports that point to other chimneys to check.

KEEP LOOKING UP!
Reports recently received indicate that swifts have migrated from a number of sites– St. Adolphe, Carman, some Winnipeg sites like St Johns Ravenscourt and the Silver Heights/Moorgate area. Now would be a good time to check your sites to see if your swifts have “flown the coop.” As they say on the Internet “YMMV”- your mileage may vary…

Don’t forget to pass along your monitoring reports!  Thank you.

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
We’ll be having a meeting  on September 10 to discuss this year’s results and plan for the future of the program. If you have any suggestions regarding the Chimney Swift Initiative, please let me know!

Frank M

Feelin’ hot hot hot

Well, August is upon us and there seem to be more than a few new swifts in the air.

Recent monitoring reports are a mixed bag. Some formerly-active Winnipeg sites have seen little or no roost hour activity in 2012, yet reports from other locations seem to indicate successful breeding and “normal” numbers. Once I get more reports, I’ll post a proper update.

After a hot tip from a birder, Jacquie and I took a spin out to Clearwater and found two active sites– one at the former Clearwater School and the other at the adjacent Menorial Hall.

The summary of monitoring results is at
http://bit.ly/MABro1

For your reading pleasure

Click the link to view a recent article from the Ottawa Citizen about the Onatrio chimney swift program.
Click the link to view the July 20 Bird Studies Canada newsletter with two articles about swift programs. Look in the “Regional” news area,

Things are looking up!
If you see any chimney swifts as you take a summer stroll or road trip. please send a note tot mbchimneyswift@gmail.com. You might be helping us to find a new roost or nest site!

What’s it all about, Alfie?

The latter question was posed in the theme song to a popular 1966 Michael Caine flick, but it seems to apply to many of the monitoring reports we’re getting these days.

Let’s start this note with a THANK YOU to the volunteers who recently submitted observation reports from around the province.

As is often the case, there’s good news and less-than-good news…

On the positive side, we continue to receive reports of swift activity at nest or roost sites in various Manitoba locations– Saint Adolphe, Selkirk, Dauphin, Carman, La Broquerie, Lorette, Portage, Winnipeg, Brandon. We’ve even found some activity at hitherto-unreported sites, and had a report of a successful (not to mention noisy) nest in a Westwood chimney. We also have a new artificial nest structure of a unique design– all we need are chimney swift guests! We have a few casual reports of daytime sightings that don’t obviously correlate to known nest/roost sites…

On the other hand, several formerly active (mostly Winnipeg) sites are showing little or no activity. Roost sites in Selkirk and Dauphin seem to have reduced numbers, and the well-observed sites in St. Adolphe show signs of nest failure and “missing” birds.

We don’t have enough reports to draw definitive conclusions, but it seems like we may be having yet another season of unusual swift activity.

You can take a look at the multi-year monitoring summary at
http://bit.ly/MABro1

VOLUNTEERS and SIGHTING REPORTS are always welcome. We could  use additional help in checking sites during daytime or roost hours. If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the chimney!

OUT AND ABOUT:  The Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative is planning to have displays at two upcoming events: the Saint Adolphe Mudfest and the 23rd North American Prairie Conference at the University of Manitoba.

Frank Machovec

Happy Canada Day!

CHIMNEY SWIFTS IN THE NEWS
Last week provincial Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announed the development of a new strategy to better protect species at risk that will include new funding for population recovery projects and developing new habitat protection legislation.

Part of this startegy is the declaration of the chimney swifts as an endangered species in Manitoba.

For more information, check the press release at

http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/press/top/2012/06/2012-06-25-143500-14694.html

You might also want to check the Species At Risk page at http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/sar/

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP — MONITORING NEWS
Two “new” active sites have been found and monitored. There are a pair of swifts in the chimney at the Lorette Catholic Church, and three chimneys at Otterburne’s Providence College are being shared by at least seven swifts.

Monitoring reports recently received confirm strong bird counts at Selkirk, Dauphin, and Saint Adolphe sites.

Take a look at http://bit.ly/MABro1 for the current monitoring summary.

Don’t forget to send me your monitoring reports, and be on the lookout for “new additions” at your sites!

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT – A SWIFT VIDEO

//www.youtube.com/get_player

The clip was extracted from a 13 minute recording of a monitoring session at the Dauphin roost site (courtesy K. Wainwright).

How many swifts do you see?

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
We could still use volunteers to verify activity at several sites. If you’d like to help, please contact Frank at 204-798-6275 or send a note to mbchimneyswift@gmail.com

Thanks to our volunteers for taking the time to report the activities of our avian visitors!

Frank M

It’s not raining all the time!

A Friendly Wager
Early this week members of the Selkirk Bird Watchers and 21 observers in Saint Adolphe peered resolutely into the skies to see which group could see more swifts. The prize was a rare Chimney Swift Initiative mug. Everyone saw swifts, but, to make a long story short, the Selkirk folks won  the mug and Saint Adolphe watchers got cookies and a chance to win door prizes.


Swift sightings: This week in review
The Selkirk  crew had swifts at all four chimneys– including an impressive 47 birds at the large stack. The St. Adoplhe  “group of ten” swifts maintained their presence at the 5 local chimneys.

Some initial reports of activity were received from Winnipeg sites– swifts were finally noted at an Academy Road apartment and at a well-known private school in Wildwood.

Interestingly, several reports indicated large numbers of swifts which didn’t seem to use the nearby “known” chimney. The most curious case came from Carman with 15-20 birds seen, but no apparent visitation to the  roost chimney.

We also had some casual reports of sightings from Winkler, Lower Fort Garry, Main Street and Matheson, and Jubilee and Pembina.


The year-to-date viewing summary may be viewed as a GoogleDoc.

Life On The Edge: A Chimney Swift Webcam
If you’d like a glimpse of some south-of-the-border chimney swift action, or if you crave a break from the CBC Falcon Cams, you might want to check out  Life on the Edge, a live swift feed from New York.


A Bit of Administrivia
I have stepped down as project coordinator, but will  continue as a humble volunteer until the end of this season. So, please keep those reports coming in!

If you would like to volunteer to do some monitoring, there are many nice chimneys to be had!

Frank M.

June 3 Update

More reports have come in, and a few more Winnipeg sites have been monitored. We even received a report of a pair of swifts at Ominnik Marsh in Wasagaming.

The summary results page may be seen at http://bit.ly/MABro1 

We still need volunteers to help with the monitoring effort. If you determine your time commitment, we can supply a suitable site to watch!  Phone 204-798-6275 or email (mbchimneyswift@gmail.com) for more information.

Don’t forget our Swift Viewing at Saint Adolphe on Monday night from 8 PM to dusk. There have been ten swifts in the area, and we have a friendly challenge from the Selkirk Bird Watchers’ Club to see which group of chimney-gazers sees the greater number of swifts during the evening!