This is a Chimney Swift update for London, Ontario.
Although I have not been selected to take part in this year's swift watch, I
have still been monitoring swifts on a daily basis, as I do with all birds.
My general observations, overall, tell me that swift numbers in the city may be
down. My counts indicate drastically lower numbers of birds overall. I observed
a few chimneys earlier in the season, but have since stopped, but numbers were
down from last year. A high count for a downtown London chimney in early June
was averaging 12 birds a night this year, down dozens of birds per night
compared to last year.
I have been seeing swifts in unusual spots though. About a dozen swifts have
been observed near the corners of Briscoe Street and Wharncliffe Street South.
I have seen up to 20 birds here as of this week, and they are always present in
the daytime, at some point, so I assume there is a nearby chimney.
I have also noticed swifts near a Trafalgar Street chimney that I did not
notice them in last year. So while numbers appear to be down (IMO), it seems
they have been finding new roosts.
On another note, I had a singing Baltimore Oriole this week in Highland Woods,
in south London. I would like help with this bird. Could this be a wandering
unmated male? They have bred here before, but I have not noticed them this year
like others years, and it seems to be late for a singing male.
Any help is appreciated.
Questions? E mail me and I will answer.
Leonard P. Manning
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