Subject: Roosting structures for Vaux's swifts
Date: May 19 12:34:48 1997
From: Noelle Nordstrom - NORDSNN at dfw.wa.gov


Hello Tweeters,

I'm a biologist living in an Olympia neighborhood where Vaux's swifts
sometimes roost in chimneys. My own chimney is unsuitable, so I am
going to try building a roosting/nesting tower out of plywood. The plans
for this tower were designed for chimney swifts, and have been used
successfully in other parts of the country. I am searching for other
people who have attempted to build swift towers in our region, and
suggestions/brainstorms from anyone who is interested on how to make
my tower particularly appealing to Vaux's swifts. How are their needs
different from those of chimney swifts?

Here's the plan so far:
- 16' tall tower with four sides, and an inside diameter of ~24";
- The frame of the tower will be of 2x4's, and the plywood on the inside
of the tower will either be grooved, or lined with lattice or wood strips
for the birds to grab.
- The tower will have siding or plywood on the outside as well, so there
will be an air space ~2 inches between the inner and outer surfaces
that could be insulated.
- The top of the tower will have flashing around the opening, and there
will be a trap-door at the bottom for cleaning.

The resulting monstrosity will be attached to concrete blocks at the
bottom, and strapped to a fence and garage, where they come together
at a 90 degree angle.

Decorative options include bat and swallow boxes, and vines climbing up
the sides.

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do not
subscribe to Tweeters, so please respond to:
Noelle Nordstrom
nordsnn at dfw.wa.gov

209 17th Ave S.E.
Olympia WA 98501

Thank you very much for your help!