Swifts

Last night my family had a chance to go and watch the swifts! In Portland, going to watch the swifts means heading to NW Portland, to Chapman school, where during the month of September, migrating swifts use the chimney there as a roosting place. Every night at sunset, the swifts gather and make their way into the safety of the chimney.
It is an amazing sight, watching hundreds of tiny birds dance around one another, circle the chimney and then eventually funnel their way inside. My photo does not do any justice to what this actually looks like, but you can use your imagination!
Last night's display was especially interesting, as we had a chance to see a real-life predator-prey interaction. There were two falcons waiting alongside the top of the chimney, hungrily awaiting an evening meal. They each caught a couple of swifts, which was slightly heartbreaking, but exciting nonetheless. Can't beat the ringside seat wildlife viewing smack in the middle of a city!