Pilchuck Audubon Society presents a program on “Seeking Swifts” with Larry Schwitters, Washington’s expert on Vaux’s swifts, at the Stanwood library Friday.
The swifts are known for their gregarious groupings of 30 birds or more that eat insects and such on the go. They are distinct for their cigar-shaped bodies and crescent-shaped wings and have been known to roost in such places as elementary school chimneys, such as the one at Frank Wagner Elementary School in Monroe.
Schwitters’ current work with the Audubon Society, the “Vaux’s Happening” project, has been solely responsible for bringing awareness and preservation efforts for these little birds all across Western North America.
Some of the history of Schwitters’ work with black swifts for the American Bird Conservancy may also be covered at the program, according to a press release.
Before he followed the flights and habits of swifts, Schwitters spent 30 years in public education, mostly as a middle school science teacher and coach. For the past 10 years, he has become Washington’s swifts expert, the press release said.
This free program is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW, Stanwood. For directions or a map go to pilchuckaudubon.org or for further information call 425-252-0926.
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