A third version of the printable form is now available. While earlier versions can be used, you may prefer the newest one-page version. This version facilitates the correct recording of ins and outs.
Please submit once for each chimney.
To change your report, send an email to londonswifts@naturelondon.ca.
Coding Rules and Tips from Birds Canada
Wind (Beaufort Scale)
| 0 | Calm, smoke rises vertically |
| 1 | Light air, smoke drifts |
| 2 | Light breeze, wind felt on face |
| 3 | Gentle breeze, small twigs move |
| 4 | Moderate breeze, small branches move |
| 5 | Fresh breeze, small trees sway |
| 6 | Strong breeze, large branches in motion |
| 7 | Near gale, whole trees moving |
Precipitation Options
None, Rain, Hail, Trace /Occasional Rain, Thunderstorms
Cloud Cover (%)
| 0 | Clear |
| 1 | 10% |
| 2 | 20% |
| 3 | 30% |
| 4 | 40% |
| 5 | 50% |
| 6 | 60% |
| 7 | 70% |
| 8 | 80% |
| 9 | 90% |
| 10 | Overcast |
| 11 | Fog |
Also adapted from Birds Canada
- Start the survey 30 min before sunset; end 30 min after sunset or until it is too dark to see.
- Survey a safe location in a public area.
- Under “Net Number of Swifts Entering Chimney”, record the estimated number of swifts in the chimney at the end of your watch.
- Individual birds may try a few “practice runs” before they enter the chimney. Do not count the birds that dive down but do not enter the chimney.
- Mentally “grab” groups of 5, 10, or 20 swifts as they enter the chimney. Counting large numbers of swifts can be challenging – do your best!
- During gaps in activity, tell your monitoring partner your latest subtotal (without taking your eyes off the chimney) and restart counting from zero.
- Have fun! Thank you for helping to monitor these special birds.
Recording Entries and Exits (Ins and Outs)
The times of entries and exits are written as h:mm, between 6:00 and 9:59.
7:32 1 in
7:33 1 out
Do not omit the colon in h:mm
Do not combine ins and outs. Use separate lines, one for ins and one for outs.
USE:
8:03 4 in
8:03 1 out
AND NOT:
8:03 4 in 1 out.
Punctuation characters such as “=”, “.”, “,” and “;” are optional
7:50 = 6 in.
8:15 1 in;
Add the number of entries for any minute.
USE:
8:03 6 in
AND NOT:
8:03 1, 3, 2 in
OR
8:03 1+3+2 in