April 18, 2022 3:30 a.m.

Roseburg Swift Watch is returning with special events on Friday evenings beginning this week.

A City release said Roseburg Parks and Recreation is co-sponsoring the evenings with the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and federal and state agencies. It will take place near Umpqua Valley Art’s Clay Place behind the facility’s main building on West Harvard Avenue between 6:30 p.m. and sunset. Those attending can see the Vaux’s Swifts before the birds drop into the studio’s chimney to roost for the night.

The release said the evenings will also be used to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, which is Saturday May 14th.

Each night, dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of swifts use the chimney to roost during the spring migration northward, which goes as far as Canada for nesting this summer. Audubon Society members say the birds have been using the chimney for decades. Audubon counts the swifts as part of a west coast data-collection effort, and members will be available to answer questions. Federal agencies will offer kid’s activities, live bird displays and more.

Organizers urge people to bring a folding chair, camp chair or blanket, or just watch from their car. Local musicians, Swifts Sisters and Friends, will perform Americana music if the weather allows.

Contact the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society at: info@umpquaaudubon.org or call 680-0436 for more information.