Tweeters,

Audubon's Vaux's Happening project has been working at raising
awareness of Vaux's Swift largely through their use of chimneys as
large number roosting sites. One objective has been to identify as
many as possible of the significant roost sites along their migratory
path. We have done pretty good here, and you may be interested in
this map we have put together of the major roost sites. http://www.vauxhappening.org/Vauxs_Happening/Most_Active_Roost_Sites.html

You will note there seems to be three gaps on the map. The one
between Portland Chapman and Selleck we have located at Ft Lewis,
actually JBLM. The project coordinator just needs to get that one up
on the map. We believe that the swift's accommodations near the OR-CA
border are trees, and have located at least one big redwood snag that
will hold a couple thousand birds. The major roost site in south
central CA has eluded us so far, but I'm betting its there.

Once we've documented a site we try to make a big deal about it so its
less likely to get torn down because there seems no reason not to. We
have gotten seriously involved with the Monroe Wagner site and its
looking like that one is pretty much saved.

There is another major historic Washington State roost site that could
be in trouble, and its a beauty. That's Old Norther State Hospital
near Sedro-Woolley,
photo here http://www.vauxhappening.org/Vauxs_Happening/Old_Northern_State.html
The property is currently up for sale.

At Wagner and Selleck we have documented the swift/chimney roost site
interaction big time, like nearly every day of both migrations for the
last seven migrations. For example, http://www.vauxhappening.org/Vauxs_Happening/WA_South_10.html
We have enough overwhelming data for Selleck to have it nominated
as an IMPORTANT BIRD AREA. National Audubon is working on that right
now.

We don't have that data for Old Northern State.

To be continued.

Larry Schwitters-Issaquah
for Audubon Vaux's Happening