Guest Speaker: Ally Manthorne
Subject: The Chimney Swift and Maritimes Swiftwatch
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Church of the Nazarene, 21 Fieldcrest Ave., Moncton
Nature Moncton's guest for May 15 will be Ally (Allison) Manthorne, the Maritimes Swiftwatch coordinator located at the Bird Studies Canada office in Sackville. It is perfect timing to learn more about a very special bird that is joining us at the moment, unfortunately in reducing numbers as the years pass.
Chimney Swifts roost together in large groups during spring migration en route from South America. With the arrival of European settlers, the savvy Chimney Swift became pleased to use the chimneys people were erecting since the tree cavities they previously occupied were mostly gone. However, as the chimneys are now disappearing, the plight of the chimney Swift is in serious decline.
Bird studies Canada has taken on the project to start a stewardship and conservation program to try to help the Chimney Swift and Maritimes Swiftwatch is that initial effort here.
Let's all learn how to readily spot these birds that are easily identified by anyone looking skyward and hear about the life and times of this fascinating bird species.
Ally has excellent photos and short video clips to share what Maritimes Swiftwatch has collected in its first year of efforts of monitoring Chimney Swift sites and looking for ways they can be helped.
Ally's presentation starts at 7:00 PM with Nature Moncton activities to follow after the break so don't be late.
Nelson Poirier
