Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Swift Night Out

Leader: Ileen Sabean

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meet Location: Parking lot off Mulcaster Road, facing the cupola on the Barrie Jail (alternate entrance off Codrington Street)

Start Time: 7:33 p.m.

End Time: 8:48 p.m.

Registration: Not required

Accessibility: No walking required. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the spectacle from the parking lot. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Details: Fall migration is underway and every year the Chimney Swifts choose the Barrie Jail as their preferred evening roost. Midway through August, the numbers will be at their greatest. It is the best opportunity to witness a “Swift Tornado” as the numbers generally reach between 150 to 200 swifts. Common Nighthawks are sometimes seen overhead as well. The show typically begins about 30 minutes before sunset and ends once all the swifts have entered the chimney or it becomes too dark to see. We meet in the parking lot on the East side of Mulcaster, a well-established viewing location for the evening swift roost. This is an active downtown location, and we'll remain together as a group while enjoying the evening spectacle.