Yes, indeed! Several evenings ago, I witnessed a feeding frenzy over Lily Pond (our huge backyard swamp) which began just before dusk and continued until almost dark. It had been a cloudy, showery day, complete with thunderstorms... perfect mosquito weather!
Now, I am still sans camera and can find no photos, without copyright, that I can post, so you'll just have to take my word on a positive ID of these fast-flying mosquito catchers. I've seen similar behavior in the daytime, by flocks of local tree swallows. As I glanced out the back window, my eyes were immediately drawn to this flock of about ten swifts. They reminded me somewhat of swallows, but as I watched, there was something almost batlike about their wing beats and flight pattern. I noticed a blackish coloration and a squared-off, almost nonexistent tail.
Bird? Bat? I had convinced myself it was a bird, but exactly which one? Well, I had to know, so I headed for my treasured "A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America" by Roger Tory Peterson. Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica (Family: Apodidae) is about 5-5½" long. At the risk of boring you with details, I will quote the text... every bit of which was "spot on" when compared to my little backyard swifts.
The more I read, the more assured was I of the ID ~ "Like a cigar with wings. A blackish swallowlike bird with long, slightly curved, stiff wings and no apparent tail (unless spread). It appears to beat its wings not in unison, but alternately (actually this is an illusion); the effect is more batlike, unlike the skimming of swallows. They seem to fairly 'twinkle,' gliding between spurts, holding the wings bowed in a crescent. Voice: Loud, rapid ticking or chippering notes."
And they definitely maintained communication the entire hour or so that they continued the hunt.
More research reveals that they scoop up insects in their wide mouths, while on the wing and are regarded as the most rapid fliers among living creatures. Interestingly, they are related to hummingbirds. The chimney swift is the most common eastern species.
What an enjoyable evening and another species added to my backyard visitor list. Chimney Swifts in New England? Yes, indeed! Maybe you'll spot some in your home environs.
For photos: ©Mike Danzenbaker (his North America Photo Gallery), visit "Chimney Swift"
or scroll down through a multitude of great photos in that North America Gallery!
More information: at the "The Birdchaser: Chimney Swifts" and at the Chimney Swifts Home Page.
©Deb Lambert 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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3 comments:
Did you take a beverage and a lawn chair to witness this event? It sounds like fun! :-)
Shady ~ Considering the ginormous mosquitoes upon which the swifts were dining, I enjoyed these new birds from behind the safety of a screened window. Plus, we're stuck in an afternoon and/or evening thunderstorm pattern almost every day... this + the swamp + dusk = no late day outdoor birding.
I was out with Lucy about 5:30 tonight (more showers due this evening) and even then the mosquitoes were feasting on Lucy and myself, as I picked some grape tomatoes.
Fungicide sales are up. One problem - it won't stop raining, or threatening to rain, long enough to apply the fungicides.
How grows your garden? I'll be by for a visit, soon.
Deb, it's been quite dry lately. I've actually been doing some necessary watering. I hope someday to approach "Mister Shady" about installing a couple of rain barrels. :-) The reason for this extra visit? I've nominated you for an award! Check it out at my place. ;-)
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