The Ins and Outs of Vaux’s Swifts with Michael Heim on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m.

The Ins and Outs of Vaux’s Swifts with Michael Heim on February 12th at the Benicia Public Library at 7:00 p.m.

About the Program: Have you ever wondered where large flocks of migratory birds find places to roost during travel? During their flight from northern breeding grounds to Central America, Vaux’s swifts convert chimneys at an abandoned North Bay brickworks into a temporary home. Near sunset, thousands of swifts may be seen entering the chimneys for an evening’s rest after a day of flight. Guest speaker Michael Helm will share the natural history of the swift and ongoing research to monitor and document the birds.  His videos will make you feel that you are watching the birds in person. Michael will give us an overview of Vaux’s Swifts including current population studies observed on breeding territory and along migration routes. He will share highlights from classes he has taught at the S.F. Academy of Science and an update on the use of audio detection and motus tracking. His presentation will include amazing video’s of swifts in flight and entering the chimney at McNear’s Brick Factory in San Rafael. 

About the speaker:  Michael Helm is a retired engineer/scientist and part of a volunteer research team that monitors Vaux’s swifts. One of his interests is in adopting emerging technologies to keep this work sustainable and more useful to conservation and science.