In the hours when the sun rises and sets, it’s not uncommon to see a giant, swirling cloud of darkness circling above the buildings of East. Or as they are more commonly referred to; chimney swifts. 

   Chimney swifts are migratory birds that fly to Central and South America in the Fall. What makes them unique is that they are unable to perch on branches and power lines like most other birds. Instead they cling to the insides of hollow spaces like trees and chimneys in groups of up to 1,000. Though why they fly around so ominously as they enter and exit is still unknown.

   A large number of them gather around East during their migration season because East is one of the few places in Charlotte that still has a chimney. This even includes houses, as many homeowners put caps on their chimneys and prevent chimney swifts from entering.

   These birds are not the only ones attracted to East in the fall however. Members of the Mecklenburg Audubon Society have been flocking towards East to catch a glimpse of the birds as they dance through the sky and pour into the school’s chimney.

   “This is actually my first time coming to East Meck to look at the chimney swifts,” Jenny Strawford said during a bird watching event. “I love being around other people who love birds, I love everybody talking in awe and wonder and enjoyment of it.”

   The chimney swifts won’t be around for much longer. They tend to leave the area to finish migrating in mid October. In a more permanent sense, since East is being remodeled soon it’s likely the chimney will be taken down and the swifts will lose yet another resting spot. So make sure to go see these birds while you still can. They can be seen around 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

This story idea was submitted to us by Kimberly Quintero. If you have any stories you would like to see us write, then email [email protected]