My friend Kathy Westra joined me at the Luther Jackson Intermediate School s
in Fairfax this evening for the chimney swift show. And, the birds did not
disappoint. As the multitude gathered from about 7:20 on, they swirled
overhead in ever bigger crowds twittering happily. At about 7:40 they went
into their circling around the chimney in a great ring and began ( 7:50) to
descend into the chimney for the night. I estimate there were 2,000 to
3,000 birds again. It was,as always, a wonderful spectacle to watch. I
then proceeded, alone, down to Tysons to check on the nighthawks. I arrived
at 8:20 and the lights were on, so it does appear that they now come on at 8
p.m. There were 20 to25 nighthawks, at various levels; the low ones giving
very nice views. I intend to check again Thursday and Friday to see if the
approaching tropical storm causes a backup in the migration. It would be
nice to have a night when there were 50 -75 birds, which we have had more
than once in the past.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
