Spend an evening watching the Chapman School Swifts in Portland, Oregon
This article was updated in August of 2024
There’s a local phenomena in Portland often referred to as the Chapman School Swifts or “the Swifts”.
Swifts are a fast flying, medium sized bird who spend nearly their entire lives airborne. When they want to land they can’t perch like most other birds, instead they hang suspended along vertical walls such as those found in chimneys, caves, and hollow trees.
Every year starting in late August and extending through most of September thousands of Vaux Swifts prepare to roost for the night in one of Portlands favorite local landmarks, Chapman Elementary School’s chimney.
Watching the swifts fend off hawks as they gather above the school in preparation for their dive into the chimney at dusk has quickly become one of my favorite traditions, signifying the beginning of fall.
Where to see The Swifts
You can find the Swifts at Chapman Elementary School: 1445 NW 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
When to see The Swifts
The Swifts grace Portland in late August through early September and make their decent at dusk. Check out the Swift Count Community Science Project to see how many birds have been counted each night.
The school grounds and street parking get crowded quickly. We like to arrive early and plan for a picnic dinner in the park before the big show.
For our first journey to see the Swifts we arrived around 6pm and spent the next two hours watching kids slide down a hill on pieces of cardboard. This occasionally meant catching a kid or two with our backs, but it was worth it. Just after dusk we watched the swifts in their swarm-like descent into the chimney. It was truly a local spectacle and one I hope to enjoy every year.
What to Bring
For a comfortable experience be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and maybe a couple low chairs, a picnic for feasting, and a few more friends to enjoy it with. Keep in mind this is a local school so no smoking or alcohol are allowed on the grounds.
You can find out more about the Chapman School Swifts at the Audubon Society of Portland’s Swift Watch.
