September 2, 2022 3:40 a.m.

Roseburg Fall Swift Watch is following the birds and shifting its planned events for Friday night.

Diana Wales from the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society said the swifts are currently roosting nightly in a chimney at the courthouse downtown and not at the usual Clay Place chimney in Fir Grove Park on West Harvard Avenue. Wales said the change is a bit of a mystery and its possible the tiny birds may resume using the Clay Place chimney when the weather cools down – or not.

Friday’s event will be in the courtyard and walkway between the courthouse and the Justice Building. The brick surface walkway can be accessed from the west via stairs or from the east via an accessible concrete and brick ramp. Wales said views of the chimney are limited and distant from the parking areas.

Audubon Society members will be available starting at 7:00 p.m. to serve as interpretive naturalists, with information and brochures. Sunset, when the birds usually return, is currently around 7:50 p.m.

Also taking place is the Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Celebration 2022. Staff from federal and state agencies will be at the courthouse as well. They will have information about migration and bird related activities for kids and families.

“Swifts Sisters and Friends” may be on hand to provide Americana music as well.

Roseburg Fall Swift Watch is a partnership of Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and the City of Roseburg Parks and Recreation. For more information contact: info@umpquaudubon.org