Release Chimney Swifts

In rehabilitation, it is incredibly important that we don’t get attached to the animals because they are, first and foremost, wild animals. And with out large numbers it is easy to just see the large groups of birds as monolithic and common place. But, whenever I release Chimney Swifts I am reminded of the incredible diversity of the world and the importance of our efforts. The Chimney Swifts we released yesterday were our second batch to be released of the year. They have to be released with other Chimney Swifts because they live communally, and never is it more evident that when you see the birds we have raised fly up and greet the older, wild birds that they are wild animals. They are amazing birds that work together to support the young ones. Every night at dusk they swarm above their nesting place to signal to the younger, less experienced Swifts where to return to. It is hard to capture the enormity of their groups and the grace with which they fly, but this is the first minute after the Swifts left the box.
-Lydia
Education Coordinator, SWVAWC