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Celebrate the magnificent migration of Monroe’s official bird, the Vaux’s Swift!

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Pilchuck Audubon Society is excited to be hosting the annual Swifts Night Out event in Monroe in person again on August 20th. From 4pm until dusk, nature lovers, community groups, families, and anyone with an interest in the spectacular can enjoy an evening on the lawn to watch the Vaux’s Swifts descend into their evening chimney roost at the school. While waiting for the swifts to appear around sunset, there will be children’s activities, vendor booths, and a presentation available in the Wagner Center Auditorium.

Vaux’s Swifts roost in hollowed out old growth trees; however, with fewer old growth trees available, they have taken to roosting in man-made chimneys. In 2007, Pilchuck, Seattle, and Eastside Audubon chapters worked together to save the old brick chimney at Frank Wagner Elementary School from demolition. The chimney is a critical migratory stopover for the swifts, hosting more than 20,000 swifts on its busiest nights. As a result, the chimney is designated as a globally Important Bird Area and the Vaux’s Swift is the official bird of Monroe. 

Join the community celebration of one of nature’s most breathtaking migrations!