SwiftWatch 

A swirling flock of birds spiraling into a chimney at dusk is a remarkable event that Chimney Swift volunteers try to witness throughout eastern Canada. With a 90% decline in their population, it is essential that we know which chimneys these birds are nesting and roosting in, so that we can take action to preserve their unique urban habitats. 

SwiftWatch is a beginner-friendly volunteer opportunity focused on helping Chimney Swifts. By taking part, you can contribute to monitoring, conservation and stewardship by counting roosting swifts, monitoring nesting activity, and supporting the care of the human-made structures (e.g. chimneys, wooden barns) that this species relies on.  

How to Help

There are two main opportunities for SwiftWatchers: Roost Surveys or Nesting Surveys. You’re welcome to do both! Although participation is flexible, it’s ideal if you can survey on 2 separate days if swifts are observed using a site, to confirm occupancy.   

Roost Surveys  

Volunteers monitor roost sites, the chimneys and other structures where Chimney Swifts gather to rest overnight during migration and the breeding season. As a volunteer, you conduct roost surveys from 30–45 minutes before sunset to 30–45 minutes after sunset, between May and September.  

Nesting Surveys 

Volunteers monitor swifts as they flit to and from their nest structures during the day (only one nesting pair uses a structure at a time!). Daytime nesting surveys are conducted from June to early August. 

Become a SwiftWatch volunteer: 

1. Complete our free SwiftWatch Volunteer Training. You will learn about Chimney Swifts, the importance of collecting data, and the basics of completing a SwiftWatch Survey.  
2. Create a NatureCounts account, and register for the Swifts and Swallows Project. Your registration must be approved by a coordinator. Further instructions and SwiftWatch Protocols can be found there. 

Not ready to volunteer but looking to help? 

• Keep chimneys open and accessible to swifts by maintaining brick/mortar chimneys that aren’t lined or capped
• Advocate at the municipal level to have SwiftWatch data included in permitting decisions 
• Eliminate pesticide use to support insect (prey) populations, and advocate for better pesticide regulations 
• Garden with birds in mind to increase insect availability: www.birdgardens.ca  
• Maintain forests with standing deadwood and hollow trees 
• Reduce window collisions by installing Feather Friendly products, and advocate for the use of bird-safe building guidelines in your region 

National Chimney Swift Roost Survey 

The National Chimney Swift Roost Survey is a coordinated effort across the species’ Canadian range that uses a standardized protocol to count swifts at known roosts on a series of fixed dates in late May and early June. This massive, simultaneous effort gives us a rough estimate of the minimum Canadian population of Chimney Swifts across the provinces where it breeds: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.  

Take a moment during this survey to feel connected to hundreds of others who are monitoring “alongside” you! 

National Roost Monitoring Dates:  

• 2027: May 26, May 30, June 3, June 7 
• 2028: May 24, May 28, June 1, June 5
• 2029: May 23, May 27, May 31, June 4
• 2030: May 22, May 26, May 30, June 3
• 2031: May 21, May 25, May 29, June 2