Subject: Re: Vaux's swift nesting
Date: Jun 19 15:26:54 1995
From: Scott Richardson - richasar at dfw.wa.gov


On Mon, 19 Jun 1995, Dennis Paulson wrote:
> Having seen these birds over small towns repeatedly, as well as scattered
> around Seattle, I can't get too worked up over some of the "special-status"
> designations for this species. . .

The use of chimneys by swifts may help to maintain or improve the species'
status. This reminds me of bluebirds being assisted by nest-box programs,
raptors using constructed platforms, and martins living in condos.

How do Tweeters feel about bird populations relying on human intervention
for this kind of short- or long-term nest-site availability?

I recognize this question has the potential to lead to a number of
tangential threads, which is fine, but there is one specific question on
my mind:

When considering a change of status for a threatened or endangered
species, should the type of potential nest sites available (i.e.,
natural versus artificial) be among criteria for downlisting?

Scott Richardson
Olympia
richasar at dfw.wa.gov