Photo by Olivia Vanni/The Daily Herald

Swifts Night Out in Monroe Returns September 6th!

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

Another year, another migration, and another Swifts Night Out!

We’re excited to be hosting the annual Swifts Night Out event in Monroe again on September 6th. From 4:30pm 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.

Presentation on swifts at 6pm in the auditorium

Larry Schwitters coordinates the monitoring of Vaux’s Swift roosts across the Pacific Flyway, an effort known as Vaux’s Happening. He is the preeminent expert on Vaux’s Swifts, and won the William Dutcher Award from the National Audubon Society in 2023. In his updated presentation, you’ll hear about the history of the Monroe chimney, how the community rallied to save it, and where swift conservation is heading next.

Additionally, while waiting for the swifts to appear around sunset, there will be children’s activities, information tables about swifts, and vendor booths to browse.

Make an evening of it by having dinner at the event!

The 911 Grub food truck will be serving hot dogs, cheeseburgers, loaded nachos, and street tacos during the event.

Why celebrate?

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 us for this community celebration of one of nature’s most breathtaking migrations!