Swift Birds Cause Not So Swift Solution in Matawan, NJ
Challenge
Some time ago, we went out as a consult for a homeowner in Matawan, NJ who was having an issue with baby birds in his chimney. After a thorough inspection, we found baby Chimney Swift’s inside the middle of the chimney!
Chimney Swifts are cigar-shaped birds that are most common in areas with an abundance of suitable chimneys for nesting and roosting. Their nest is half-moon shape and made up of twigs. The chimney swifts are able to stick the nest to the side of the chimney using their saliva. These nests are solely for the babies and are utilized for their protection from predators, the parents do not stay in the same nest as the babies. The chimney Swift will lay an egg every 1-3 days until there are about four eggs in a nest. Once the eggs hatch the babies can fly after about 25- 30 days. They begin by taking short flights from one side of the chimney to the other, and then back to the nest. It is also not uncommon for one or two of the babies to periodically return to the nest after they have flown out of it.
Chimney Swift’s are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and we are not allowed to begin the removal process until all of the baby swifts are gone — hence why this is such a lengthy process.
Solution
After some time, we heard back from the customer that all was quiet inside the chimney. We returned, re-inspected the area and confirmed that the chimney swifts were gone for good. We equipped our personal protective equipment and carefully removed the nesting material inside the chimney. The crown (top portion) of this chimney was badly cracked and damaged, and there were two flues that were not covered, which was how the chimney swifts were able to lay their eggs there. We re-sealed the crown and installed two chimney caps. Now the chimney area looks aesthetically pleasing and is fully protected from any intrusive birds or wildlife.
