A man takes a photo of the Vaux Swifts during Swift Night Out on Sept. 8, 2018 in Monroe, Wa. Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

A man takes a photo of the Vaux Swifts during Swift Night Out on Sept. 8, 2018 in Monroe, Wa. Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Thousands of Vaux’s swifts put on a show at chimney in Monroe

The Vaux’s Happening Project counted a third of a million of the wee birds migrating in Washington.

Vaux’s swifts poured into the Wagner Performing Arts Center’s chimney in Monroe last month, keeping watchers and counters happy and busy. Or, as Vaux’s swifts expert Larry Schwitters reported that, during Swifts Night Out, “Nearly 5,000 wee birds entertained nearly 1,000 humanoids … It was 26 minutes of WOW!”

On Sept. 12, a counter documented nearly 10,000 swifts going into the roost. Two days later, Schwitters said that 10,000 of the birds left the chimney, probably headed south.

Schwitters has taken the “wee birds’” counts to down to the second, literally.

In the morning of Sept. 16, after a night of 5,571 swifts entering the roost, he timed their departure: 9 minutes, 10 seconds at 10:41 a.m.; or 550 seconds of swifts leaving at an average rate of “10 wee birds” a second, according to Schwitters.

By Sept. 25, the last of the Vaux’ swifts flock left Monroe and headed south.

“Our Audubon Vaux’s Happening Project documented a third of a million of these wee birds going to roost in Washington state this last migration.”

Now that’s some happening.

Vultures. Yes, those flocks of large birds circling high in the sky are turkey vultures heading south in their drifting, winging-tipping style.

In western North America in the fall, large groups fly as far as southern South America. Many of the vultures that summer in British Columbia migrate to wintering grounds in Venezuela, traveling around 200 miles a day.

They gather on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, then on a warm day take the thermals and cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Peninsula, then south.

Because they need thermals, they travel during the day and avoid over-the-water routes. They seldom stop to eat.

Sewage. The Stanwood Waste Water Treatment Plant can provide a variety of birds. A recent Pilchuck Audubon outing spotted waterfowl on the water, some harassed by a peregrine falcon and an eagle. Seen were canvasbacks, buffleheads, greater scaups, blue-winged teal and common goldeneye, plus greater yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, pectoral sandpiper and horned grebes.

ADA map. Washington State Parks has launched an interactive online recreation map developed for people with disabilities. State parks have many Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant campsites, restrooms, trails, restrooms, showers, cabins and docks. Go to www.parks.state.wa.us/ada-recreation.

Killer whale tales. Biologist, researcher and professional photographer Jeff Hogan will put on “a whale of a show” at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Northwest Stream Center in McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. It’s a talk and video that has been enjoyed by more than 70,000 people.

Reservations are required. Visitors will enjoy seeing a trout stream exhibit and fall foliage next to a half-mile-long nature trail, most of which is on an elevated boardwalk 3 feet above the forest floor and surrounding wetlands. The Gate House will open one hour in advance for early arrivals. Call 425-316-8592 to make a reservation. Cost is $5 Adopt A Stream Foundation members, $7 non-members.

Jungle out there. A study involving 1,400 locations, hundreds of citizen-scientists, and countless camera-trap images in Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, North Carolina, has showed that the assumption that developed areas have fewer mammals and less variety than wild areas may be in error.

North Carolina State University researchers found that there wasn’t a significant difference in mammal populations between the suburban areas and nearby wild areas in terms of how many species used them and the intensity with which they used those areas.

Cameras showed some bears near Washington, D.C., and bobcats in southern Durham, North Carolina.

A factor may be that these areas, in general, have lost the largest predator species; and the mammals are more adaptable to human areas.

Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or songandword@rockisland.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Lucky little Irish lady
Our ‘Best Dressed in Green’ Winner Will Steal Your Heart!

Who rocked the greenest look this St. Patrick’s Day? Let’s find out.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 with an optional TRD Rally Package (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Tundra adds TRD Rally Package

The suite of mechanical, technology and comfort features is offered on the 4WD SR5 model.

Stylish RX 350h poses in an orchard. Photo provided by Lexus Newsroom.
2025 Lexus RX 350h Adds Three F SPORT Grades

Hybrid Provides Over 600-Mile Range and 37 MPG Fuel Economy

IONIQ 6 side-view photo provided by Hyundai Newsroom
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Electric Range Increases To 342 Miles

Stylish, Sleek Exterior Adds To Appeal And Aerodynamics

The 2025 Kia K4 compact sedan (Provided by Kia).
2025 Kia K4 delivers a new choice in affordable compact sedans

The recent arrival offers bold design, a spacious cabin, and lots of tech.

David Austin English Roses (Image from Sunnyside Nursery website).
Where greenery thrives: The most delightful nurseries in Snohomish County

Looking to add life to your space? These nurseries have just what you need!

The previous Volvo XC Recharge is now the 2025 Volvo EX40 (Provided by Volvo).
2025 Volvo EX40 is the new XC Recharge

The compact SUV is still electric and still resplendent.

Work And Play With Confidence. Photo Provided by Chevy Newsroom.
2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Turbo-Diesel Delivers 25 MPG

ZR2 4WD Package Adds Off-Road Weekend Versatility

(Image from pexels.com)
Find your flow: The most inspiring yoga studios in Snohomish County

Looking for a place to stretch, strengthen, and find your zen? Herald readers have you covered.

Relax Mind & Body Massage (Photo provided by Sharon Ingrum)
Unwind, relax, and recharge at these top massage spots

Need a break? Discover where to find the most soothing and rejuvenating massages in Snhomish County

(Image from the website).
Finding comfort and care: Top assisted living communities in Snohomish County

Which assisted living communities offer the best care and quality of life? Let’s find out.

Since 1957, Sherwood Community Services has been a place where people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full, independent lives as part of their community.
The top three local nonprofits making a real impact in our community

Which local organizations are leading the way in impact and service? Let’s find out.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.