Oct 1, 2021

The Return of Chimney Swifts

SHARE:

Working with experts across the country, DCHS's Wildlife Center raised four chimney swifts from orphaned hatchlings to release.

For the first time since 2011, Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center raised chimney swifts from orphaned hatchlings to release.

In previous years, DCHS’s Wildlife Center coordinated with another rehabilitation center that specialized in the care of swifts, as these birds’ husbandry is so unique. This year however, that center was unable to continue such specialized care, and the orphaned chimney swifts came to DCHS’s Wildlife Center instead. Our licensed rehabilitators networked with chimney swift experts around the country to create a care plan, which included feeding the birds every half-hour for twelve hours each day and utilizing a custom-made wooden chimney.

Chimney swifts in their custom-made wooden chimney and (bonus!) a red-eyed vireo that shared their flight pen

Chimney swift numbers have been in decline owing to the loss of their nesting habitat. Historically, they nested in old growth forests, but as those forests were cut down for development, swifts adapted to nesting in open masonry chimneys. But today’s modern chimneys are often lined with metal or other such materials, and these are not suitable for swifts to perch and nest on.

According to the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group, “They don’t perch on branches or other horizontal surfaces, but have instead adapted to cling to the side of rough vertical surfaces (such as brick) with their long sharp claws. Ten stiff spines on the tips of their tail feathers help support them.” This means that open masonry chimneys, which were generally built from stone or brick and mortar, provide the rough surface swifts need to gain traction with their claws, while smooth surfaces like metal do not.

Chimney swifts most commonly come to DCHS’s Wildlife Center because of nest destruction from environmental damage, accidental chimney eviction (chimney capping or cleaning), and changes to dampers or stovepipes. The majority of the birds who come to DCHS’s Wildlife Center were rescued after falling from their nests with no options to put them back.

Watch the video to see how our licensed rehabilitators cared for the four swifts admitted this past July and ultimately released them back into the wild.

Next Story

Apr 8th, 2025

Help Kevin Heal

Kevin is suffering from a dislocated hip and ankle, as well as a broken fibula. We need your help to help him heal.

Full Story

Next Story

Feb 17th, 2025

You Helped These Hungry, Hungry Bobcats Thrive!

Last year’s bobkittens have become this year’s bobcats, and they were hungry! Thanks to you, we were able to provide them with specialized care until they were finally returned to the wild.

Full Story

Next Story

Feb 3rd, 2025

DCHS Helping 43 Cats from Hoarding Situation

DCHS has stepped up to assist more than 40 cats from a home in Waupaca County that had nearly 100 felines.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 27th, 2025

Behind the Numbers: DCHS's Wildlife Center's 2024 Report

What animals were admitted to DCHS's Wildlife Center for rehabilitation in 2024? How many of what species, and which patients were our favorites? Read our annual wildlife rehabilitation report.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 21st, 2025

Lead Toxicity in Wildlife

Over the last decade, 762 individuals of 63 wild species had detectable blood-lead levels, meaning heaving metals are in our environment. Learn what you can do to advocate for these animals.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 21st, 2025

Anthropogenic Injuries to Raptors and Other Wildlife

Wildlife face many challenges in the environment, especially in close proximity to humans. Anthropogenic injury and mortality rates are high in urban areas, which is hard to educate the public about.

Full Story