September 14, 2023 3:00 a.m.

Thousands of Vaux’s Swifts are roosting nightly in a chimney at Fir Grove Park and Roseburg Swift Watch is continuing Friday nights.

Drew Winkelmaier has more: “Drew” Q: News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN

Roseburg Parks and Recreation and the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society are co-sponsoring the events. The public is invited to gather behind the Umpqua Valley Arts Center on West Harvard Avenue by 6:30 p.m. to see a number of displays before the birds drop into the Clay Place Studio’s chimney to roost for the night.

Each night, dozens, hundreds or even thousands of the swifts use the chimney during their annual fall southward migration to Central America and South America for the winter.

Friday evenings will also be used for the Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Celebration. Staff from federal and state agencies will join the Audubon Society to share information about the Vaux’s Swifts.

Those who come to the event should bring a blanket or chair. Local musicians will perform Americana music.

For more information, contact Umpqua Valley Audubon Society at: info@umpquaaudubon.org or call 680-0436.