[obol] Vaux's Swifts/Eugene

[Bruce Newhouse]

The post below reminded me:  there were at least 2000 VAUX'S SWIFTS 
circling the Agate Hall Chimney in west Eugene (park off 17th just east 
of Agate) on Tuesday evening.  One was snagged and dropped by a hawk 
(according to someone watching just before we arrived), likely a 
Cooper's.  The hawk dropped it on the roof, and flew into the trees.  As 
the swifts spiraled and got closer to the chimney, one fell in the 
parking lot, stunned.  (Perhaps there had been a midair collision?)   I 
don't know if it recovered, as it flopped under a car, and I had to go.  
A bit later, we saw the hawk fly out and far away, thereby frightening 
off all the swifts.  I had to leave, so I don't know if they returned.

Bruce Newhouse in Eugene


 >Hey Obolers,

 >3,000 to 5,000 Vaux's Swifts funneled into the Chapman School chimney 
tonight.  They started to gather about  7pm and started into the chimney 
at 7:30.  This is a much larger spring >number than past years.  A 
neighbor said they have been going in for the last three nights.

 >Happy Spring Migration,
 >Shawn Schmelzer

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