New Mapping Site to Track Chimney Swift Roost and Nest Sites Launches in Time for Swift Night Out Events (see list of SNO events below)
Read the full press release here. (opens in a new tab)
The Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group is excited to announce a new and efficient tool for those interested in monitoring Chimney Swift roost and nest sites. The tool is available now, in time for the upcoming Swift Night Out events around the state in August and September.
The new site, Survey123 Chimney Swift Roost and Nest Data, includes a user-friendly form to contribute data on any swift site being monitored, partnered with a live map detailing sites across Wisconsin. Anyone out birding or counting swifts at a roost site (or a summer nesting site) can use the tool.
The new survey tool will allow researchers and the Working Group to more easily interpret information submitted by observers to advance swift conservation.
If observers already use eBird, we strongly encourage them to also use Survey123, and to continue submitting observations to eBird, if they wish. To help swifts, check out the Protocol for Counting and Reporting Swifts and/or Hosting Your Own Swift Night Out event.
Special thanks to Jayme Strange, American Bird Conservancy, for her work in developing the new tool and map, and to Chad Machinski at Michigan Audubon, for the inspiration and expertise in how they have used Survey123 for swifts. Partnerships such as this are the key to successful conservation efforts.
2026 SWIFT NIGHT OUT Events
Please join us for one or more of these 2026 SWIFT NIGHT OUT events.
Fond du Lac – Friday, Aug. 7 and Friday, Aug. 21 at Metal-Link, 196 Western Ave. (rain dates Saturday, Aug. 8; Saturday, Aug. 22) The best viewing is from the parking lot off Brooke St. around the corner. Come 60 minutes to 45 minutes before dusk. Note: the owner of the business said they counted 250 entering the chimney in July last year. For more information, contact Laura DeGolier, Bird City Fond du Lac, (920) 948-8041, lpdx289@gmail.com.
Green Bay Area – Friday, August 14. Contact Nancy Nabak at nnabak@sbcglobal.net or (920) 655-4185 for more information or if you want to monitor a chimney (if you’re new at this, you will be paired with a “pro”!)
Whitewater – Saturday, August 29, 7 p.m. Watch 900+ Chimney Swifts dive at dusk into the Whitewater Middle School chimney, 401 S. Elizabeth St. Presentations by members of the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission. Food truck and live music. Contact Bill Chandler smchandler1@icloud.com (414) 630-3598
Madison – Saturday, Sept. 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location to be determined (by the swifts!). Details will be posted here. The Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, and the Feminist Bird Club – Madison Chapter are collaborating to host this community gathering.
Madison – “Swift Week”. Sunday, September 6- Saturday, September 11. Each Swift Week get-together will start around 6:00 p.m., with the location determined that day, so sign up to get email updates on the Swift Night Out page. A birder from Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, or the Feminist Bird Club – Madison Chapter will be there to welcome you, share information, and hang out to swift-watch.
Lake Geneva – Thursday, Sept. 10. Lake Geneva Museum (255 Mill St.) Swift Night Out. Free parking behind the museum. Bring your own chair for viewing the swifts or use a chair from the museum. Food Trucks open at 5:00 p.m.; picnic tables available in the viewing area. A free educational raptor program by Schlitz Audubon, “Eagle and Friends” starts at 6:30 and concludes at dusk in time for viewing the swifts returning to the Museum chimney. Please contact Sarah McConnell, SarahTmcc@gmail.com, for more information.
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Please email us at helpchimneyswifts@gmail.com to let us know about other events.