Thanks to CBC for this story about chimney swifts and Nature Manitoba’s partner program Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative (MCSI) from April 5, 2016!

The Chimney Swift is a migratory bird whose population has decreased by 95% in the last 40 years. 

Thanks to CBC for this story about chimney swifts and Nature Manitoba's partner program Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative (MCSI) from April 5, 2016!

Chimney swift project asks Manitobans to preserve habitat for sooty bird – CBC, Manitoba

 

Learn more about Chimney Swifts and MCSI here. 

In the meantime here are some things you can do (or not do) to help protect the chimney swift:

• Clean your chimney regularly. A clean interior wall will help the nest remain attached throughout the nesting period. Regular cleaning of an active chimney reduces the risk of creosote accumulation and a flue fire. A one-time cleaning of an inactive chimney will restore the interior surface to a swift-friendly condition. Clean between September and April when swifts are not present.
• Repair rather than demolish. If you are concerned about structural deterioration your chimney, consider repairing it. Contact MCSI for information on potential funding.
• Refrain from using your fireplace/heating system chimney from mid-May to late August. Fumes can be fatal to swift adults or young.
• Avoid disturbance. Keep the cleanout trap closed and avoid looking down the chimney or renovating the roof from mid-May until the end of August.
• Manage the noise. Nestlings greet adults bringing them food; the sounds may seem boisterous for about two weeks. Muffle noise by closing the damper tightly and packing temporary insulation inside. Remove the insulation in the fall before using the chimney again.
• Seal off access to the chimney inside the house during the breeding season. This will prevent swifts from entering the rest of your building but ensure the chimney can still be cleaned during the remainder of the year.
• Limit closures. Ensure the chimney remains available for the birds (avoid capping it or lining it with sheet metal). If your building has two chimneys which you have decided to line and cap, consider leaving one unmodified for use by swifts.
• Prevent access to lined chimneys by capping. Thus preventing swifts and other wildlife from entering and becoming trapped inside.
• Avoid over-pruning trees or large shrubs on your property. While flying by, Chimney Swifts break off the tips of dead branches for nest building.
• Advocate wetland protection. Wetlands are important sources of the swift's favourite food – flying insects. Remember, Chimney Swifts consume over I ,OOO mosquitoes and other flying insects per day.
• Become citizen scientists. MCSI needs new volunteers. Count the number of swifts entering your chimney at dusk during the nesting/roosting season, and submit results to MCSI.
• Contact MCSI. If you see Chimney Swifts or know where they are nesting or roosting, please contact MCSI for more specific information and advice.