Chimney Swift - Insect Eating Bird

The chimney swift is a unique insect eating bird that has adapted to nest and roost in man- made chimneys.  Chimney swift populations have been declining rapidly since the 1980’s and Canada has lost 95% of their former population.  In an effort to understand the species decline, the CT DEEP Wildlife Division initiated citizen scientist monitoring to assess how the decline in suitable chimneys and the availability of insects for food might be affecting our local populations.  This presentation will discuss the unique nature of the chimney swift, possible reasons for its decline, and how you can get involved in chimney swift conservation.

Shannon has worked for the CT DEP-Wildlife Division since 2005.  Her primary focus is research and monitoring of bird species of greatest conservation need.  She has initiated many monitoring and research programs focusing on species such as woodland raptors, owls, whip-poor-wills, chimney swifts, nighthawks, and shrubland birds.  In addition to her work at the DEP, Shannon has been involved in research and monitoring of birds for over 12 years.  Projects have included seabirds off the coast of Maine and on the Farallon Islands off the coast of California, rails in Wisconsin and black terns in Maine, grassland birds on Cape Cod, and West Nile Virus in wild birds in Connecticut.