Hello all,

This evening we went to Ft. Lewis to see the swift roost that Greg Falxa found a few days ago. We arrived at 6:50 and there were ~400-500 swifts overhead, and all were in the chimney by 7:20. The largest number we had overhead at one time was 600-700 and we estimated between 700-900 swifts entered the chimney, although there could have been at least a few hundred more.

I didn't see the earlier post on this location, so my apology if I am repeating information that was just on the list.To get to the site we went into Ft. Lewis at exit 120. We were able to get a day pass at the visitor center before the gate, simply stating we were there to see the swifts at building 2068. It took us about 10-15 minutes to get the pass so good to get there a bit early. In order to get in you need a drivers license, car registration and current proof of insurance. Once in the gate you drive south on 41st Division Drive, turn right on Pendleton Road, and can park close to the chimney just past N. Division St, before N. 5th Street. The chimney is quite visible on the north (right) side of the road, and there is a sign that says Thrift Store in front of the parking area. If you type in 5000 Pendleton Road, Ft Lewis, WA to local.google you can see the chimney clearly on the satellite view.

Robin Baird
rwbaird (at) cascadiaresearch.org