Chapman School

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I bet you did not learn this at school ...

if you happen to be in Portland at the end of September you can not miss this spectacle that nature puts together. Thousands of swifts descend from the sky and fly at sunset into the narrow chimney of the Chapman school on their migration from Canada to Mexico. Portland families bring kids, dogs, chairs and wine to watch the event unfold. Great fun for young and old!

Keywords: Free, Close to public transportation, Scenic location, In the city, In the evening, Everyone, Unique, Neighborhood, Easy to reach, Fall (September - November)

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Hitchcock could not do it any better

Each September at sunset an incredible spectacle takes place at the Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland. The largest colony of swifts - over 40,000 - makes a stop in Portland on their migration from Canada to Mexico (really clever these birds - to come to Portland in September, that is the best time of the year!). The birds sleep in the chimney of the school and before they go to bed, they fly in a large flock in circles around the school. The sky is full with thousands and thousands of these birds. Then suddenly they dive into the chimney and it looks like a vacuum cleaner is sucking them in.
Every evening right before the sun sets the show repeats itself and the whole neighborhood is out in the street with picnics and wine (this is Portland after all!) to watch. If you want to bring your own food and drinks: the closest supermarket on Thurman Street is just a couple of blocks away.

Inside the chimney the birds are safe but getting there is tricky. Raptors also circle the chimney and try to catch their prey form the flock. The crowd watches own and roots for the swifts.
During the time that swifts sleep in the chimney the heating system of the school is switched off so the chimney does not have to be used. Teachers and students were sweaters and mittens so the birds can get a good rest. This is true Oregon hospitality!

Keywords: Other place to discover, Free, Just you alone / As a single, Close to public transportation, In the city, Local, In the evening, Everyone, Unique, With kids, As a couple, Neighborhood, Easy to reach, Fall (September - November)