Chimney Swifts; photo courtesy of Wikimedia

The yearlong “Big Year Birding” program through Dallas County Conservation has been progressing well so far, and this week they turn their focus to some miniature birds that frequent residential areas.

Conservation Outreach Coordinator Ken Keffer says this Thursday evening, Naturalist Mike Havlik will take people through downtown Perry in search of chimney swifts. Keffer explains what makes the swifts worthy of their own program. “So these are little birds, like cigar-shaped little tube birds with skinny little wings that flutter super fast. You’ll hear them kind of chattering. And then they’re called chimney swifts for a reason: they like to roost historically in logs, hollowed out places. Now it’s almost exclusively in chimneys. You know, dozens will go ‘shwooping’ down into a chimney, it’s a really cool opportunity. So come out and say ‘Hi!’”

Keffer also reminds the public that prior to the “Swift Night Out,” Conservation will be taking part in the Perry Farmers Market’s Health and Wellness Night. He will be there from 4-7 p.m. offering free merchandise and information, and the bird program will start immediately after the market. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required. To learn more about this and other upcoming Dallas County Conservation events, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Keffer.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2019/09/02/lets-talk-dallas-county-9-1-2019-ken-keffer/