The Canadian Chimney Swift population has declined by over 95% since 1968. This dramatic and rapid population decline led to the listing of Chimney Swifts as a federally threatened species under the Species at Risk Act in 2009. Similar declines in swift numbers and range are, unfortunately, occurring across North America but it is difficult to identify the cause for these declines because little is known about Chimney Swift behaviour and ecology. Decreases in suitable roosting /nesting habitat, a decline in insect availability, and an increase in unpredictable weather are among the several suspected causes.

Several individuals and field naturalist groups across Canada have recognized the need to monitor Chimney Swift populations. The SwiftWatch program was first launched in Ontario by Bird Studies Canada in 2009, and expanded to include New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in 2011. SwiftWatch brings together citizen scientists and professional biologists to implement Chimney Swift monitoring, conservation and stewardship activities.

Maritimes SwiftWatch coordinates these activities in the Maritime Provinces, recording swift numbers, behaviour and movements throughout their Maritimes range, and resulting in comprehensive and comparable region-wide population trends. Participants work together to locate, monitor and protect important Chimney Swift nesting and roosting habitat in urban areas by conducting evening roost watches, chimney inventories and more.

If you are a registered Maritimes SwiftWatch participant and would like to enter your data online, you must create a login name and password. If you already have a login name, you can login here.

For more information about Maritimes SwiftWatch, or to find out where you may be able to help, contact us or visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/acswifts/.

Led by Bird Studies Canada, Maritimes SwiftWatch is a collaborative effort involving Blomidon Naturalists Society, Environment Canada, the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, Nature NB, the Nova Scotia Bird Society, and the Pictou County Naturalists’ Club. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, and the Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund.