BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 09:46 PM

Dani isn't getting rid of the swifts, Acorn4, and she's in the US. I'm glad to know the RSPB is looking out for swifts. Thanks for posting that information.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: Acorn4
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 08:57 PM

Swifts are actually in serious decline, and the RSPB are asking people to report where they are nesting. Try logging onto their site before you get rid of them. They are having a bit of a field day at the moment because there are loads of aphids about due to the humidity.

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 08:36 PM

Swallows are protected by the same Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to disturb their nests, awkward as they are when they choose an inconvenient site. When we don't want a nest over a doorway they desire for Home Sweet Home, a narrow piece of clear plastic tacked over the forbidden zone is enough to deter them.

We also have provided numerous better nesting sites, with one notable exception. We encourage the barn swallows who nest on top of the wreath on our 1800s Bible and Cross door. We love hosting them each year, and they have made a dramatic reduction in the mosquito population, as you mention above.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: MartinRyan
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 06:09 PM

Give them an alternative:
Click here

Regards

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 05:50 PM

We have a similar annual issue with swallows, but nesting outside over doorways (plop! on arrival and departure). If we can knock down the nests before they lay to encourage them to lay elsewhere (there are good places on the property), we do, but once they lay and sit, they're in for the duration and so are we. They repay us by eating up most of the skeeters that would love to come in those same doors-- if we open them at night.

Your guests are probably forestalling rabid bats, so you're ahead of the game.

You could consider dumping porta-potti liquid enzymes into the "stash" to neutralize the organic matter. Unscented of course.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 05:41 PM

Sounds wonderful. Thanks for protecting the little flutterwings. They really are the most amazing little critters! If you hear extra noisy bird sounds down by the damper, a nest or nestling may have fallen. They may need help to get back inside the chimney, which may require some effort.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 05:17 PM

K, Maeve.

I'm catching 'em tonight and bringin' 'em to YOUR house!

Seriousl, the noise doesn't bother me, it's kinda nice. But the smell is starting to. I like the idea of another barrier. I'll just clean out what's there, block it off with an easier-to-clean barrier, and let the little skeeter-eaters stay the summer.

: )


Dani

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 04:58 PM

Another thought regarding the noise- I saw one suggestion that stuffing soundproofing material beneath the damper plate can help muffle the noises ("Put a sock in it!").

The swifts will migrate in the late summer/autumn, at which time you can have the chimney cleaned and a properly fitted cap installed if you still feel the need. My husband and I have been trying to attract the local population of swifts to our unused chimney for years, and must remove the cap to allow them into that one chimney.

I have access to several professional birders and bird rehabilitators here. If I can search out further info for you Dani, please send a PM. I'd be happy to help.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 04:43 PM

Please just live with it for the brief nesting season. They are increasingly rare. Here's a link with good information regarding swifts and the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act

What about sealing your chimney base to create a vapor barrier until the swifts have moved out?

Regards,

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: Melissa
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 04:33 PM

They make strips of prickly stuff to put around the top/inside of chimneys to discourage them from moving in. I looked the topic up a few years ago when I had a bunch in my chimney, but I can't remember any suggestions for chasing them away.

I did learn that if they start 'whomping' around, it's not a good idea to turn on the light (damper open) because the dang things seemed to think they needed to fly toward the light and I spent a long time catching them and throwing them back outside where they belong.

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 04:08 PM

yeah, that could happen when they're not in there, huh? I was hoping to just discourage them for free.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 03:54 PM

Ummm - cover the top? Duh!

Subject: BS: HELP! ridding chimney of swifts
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 03:43 PM

So, I have become aware that they were overnighting in my chimney, could see them gather there in the evening. Cool!

Then, interesting fluttery noises from the boarded-up hearth next to my desk.

Now, an unpleasant odor probably means they are very comfortable in there and have invited friends and neighbors from miles around.

They gotta go.

I'm thinking I can smoke 'em out, make it unpleasant to stay, and meanwhile have an opportunity to clean up their mess.

Plus, is it true that there's a federal law that protects these guys?!

Thoughts? Anyone done this before?

Dani