The Joy and Wonder of Watching Chimney Swifts

Long-time Chimney Swift lover and advocate Alice Greely Nelson and her husband David Nelson have been counting Baltimore’s migratory swift population since 1986, and Alice has chronicled the swifts’ decline over the years, including the impact of man and nature on the birds’ population. She will talk about the highest count at a huge chimney in Hampden--7000 in 2004—which she describes as “a magical moment.” In the last several years high counts at the chimney have been around 3000---with 4000 being unusual.
Alice played a key role in stopping the demolition of that Hampden chimney, and as a result of her efforts and those who joined with her including the Baltimore Bird Club, and Friends of Stony Run, the building and chimney received historic preservation status in 2024, ensuring that the swifts will continue to have this resting spot on their long journey from the U.S. to South America.
The Hampden chimney has become an annual gathering point not only for the swifts, but for those, like Alice, who love them and find their visit to Baltimore a deeply meaningful and inspiring experience.