The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) is a non-profit co-operative with a mandate to advance collaborative research, monitoring, and management that promotes sustainable use of natural resources in southwestern Nova Scotia.
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Chimney Swift Project
Why are we studying Chimney Swifts?
Chimney Swifts are listed as Threatened in Canada and Endangered in Nova Scotia. Their decrease in numbers is likely the result of the use of pesticides to kill insects and the decline of hollow trees which are both their nesting and roosting sites. As a result Chimney Swifts have adapted to using chimneys to roost and nest in; however, the decline in suitable chimneys (due to new building regulations and insurance regulations) may also be impacting the population. For this reason it is important that we monitor Chimney Swift populations and encourage others to monitor and report additional sightings.
General information on Chimney Swifts
Chimney Swifts are an important part of the ecosystem eating up to 1000 insects each day. They are a small bird somewhat resembling a swallow; however, they are not actually related to the swallow. This unique bird is unable to land on a branch or the ground like other birds as their legs are not structually built to hold up their bodies. Instead Chimney Swifts grip the side of a rough surface (such as a hollow tree or a chimney) and use their stiff tail feathers to help support their weight. They can remain in the air all day, catching insects and skimming the surface of lakes or rivers for water; some have ever been reported to spend multiple days flying without any rest.
Project objectives
- Monitor and gather data on Chimney Swifts at the McGowan Lake Fish Hatchery roost.
- Encourage others to assist in collecting data on other roosts throughout Nova Scotia and to report sightings or new roosts.
Methods
- A data sheet was created enabling similar information to be gathered during each count.
- Counts were conducted throughout the summer at the McGowan Lake Fish Hatchery roost.
Results
- 7 counts were completed from June 21st to August 16th 2010.
- A Chimney Swift roost sight monitoring webpage was developed to encourage and enable others to collect data and contribute to the ongoing monitoring.
Years of data
This is year 1 of an ongoing project.
Partners
- Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
- Environment Canada
- Bird Studies Canada
- Blomidon Naturalists Society
- Nova Scotia Power Inc.
- Baillie Fund