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A Swift’s Secrets Revealed: What You Need to Know about Chimney Swifts

 

September 24, 2024 by BlackGoose

It’s exciting and aggravating knowing chimney swifts have chosen your chimney as their new nest. Small as they might be and harmless as they may appear, these birds can bring trouble. The main problem comes from the fact they rely on their nesting habits, which cause the nest to fill up with remnants. So, it creates a huge cleaning problem but also draws other unwanted guests into the chimney, making it very attractive to pests. 

The Wonders of Chimney Swifts 

All winter long, these feathered friends spend their time vacationing in Columbia, Peru, and Venezuela. They then take a long voyage to the U.S. to breed when the weather warms up. 

Interestingly enough, the chimney swift doesn’t take off horizontally like other birds. Unique to their species, these birds make a vertical takeoff. 

And they spend a great deal of their time in flight, except for when they nest or roost overnight. 

The Trouble With Having Chimney Swifts 

Chimney swifts, while fascinating in their unique lifestyles and migration habits, can, unfortunately, bring undesirable consequences when they decide to live in your chimney. 

Although they might seem like harmless or beneficial creatures from afar, getting to know the challenges they can pose may change your mind. Here are some downsides of harboring these feathered guests in your chimney. 

Nuisance 

Chimney swifts are a vociferous feathered community distinguished for their ashy-looking coat. Specifically, while chicks learn to fly, they constantly cry until gaining their flight skills. 

Difficulties Removing Chimney Swifts 

Removing these feathered squatters isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. Due to their threatened species classification under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), you’re pretty much stuck with them until they decide to move on — unless you have a federal permit that typically is only given under certain circumstances. 

If you knowingly harm or disturb their nests, you can find yourself in legal trouble, including heavy fines and penalties. 

Chimney Clogging 

There’s the real risk of clogging. Imagine planning a cozy night by the fire, only to get a back draft of smoke in your living room. That’s the potential scene if chimney swifts or their nesting materials block airflow. 

Diseases 

Swifts aren’t just carrying twigs and leaves back to their nests; they could also bring airborne diseases. For instance, histoplasmosis is a serious infection linked to bird droppings. The threat of breathing in something harmful that’s invisible to the eye adds a layer of worry to their presence. 

Insects and Pests 

Don’t forget the potential for additional unwanted guests. Where birds go, fleas, ticks, and mites may follow. So, hosting chimney swifts might mean unwittingly welcoming these other critters. And nobody wants to deal with an infestation of pests that can hop from your chimney to your living spaces. 

Smoke and Fire Hazards 

Imagine lighting a cozy fire, only to realize it could threaten the lives of chimney swifts nesting within and put you on the wrong side of the law. Not to mention, swift nests can block the flue, creating a hazard where smoke and gases can’t vent properly. The materials they use for their nests can also be a fire hazard. 

Return Visits 

Perhaps the most troubling aspect is their homing instinct. Chimney swifts often return to the same spot year after year, in many cases, with a larger flock. This recurring visit exacerbates the problems mentioned but can also be a safety hazard for you and your family by affecting your chimney’s structural integrity and functionality. 

So, What Can You Do? 

Understanding and coexisting with these protected birds are part of the challenges and joys of sharing our environment with nature. Patience becomes a key virtue, coupled with a proactive approach to chimney maintenance once the swifts have left. 

Learn Patience 

However, it’s not all doom and gloom when hosting these seasonal visitors. Living with chimney swifts can be hassle-free with some knowledge and the right approach. 

The key is patience. Since these birds are protected, you must wait until they leave on their own before cleaning out nests or capping your chimney to prevent further nesting. Luckily, the babies are usually ready to strike out on their own 30 days after they hatch, as noted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 

While they’re there, you can close the damper to reduce the chatter from the little ones. And once you close off your chimney to them for next year, consider setting up a chimney swift tower for their new quarters. 

Realize You’re Contributing to Wildlife Conservation 

You may be awed by their amazing flight tricks or wonder what it would be like to live in their nests. Nevertheless, let’s not forget that their natural habitat is your backyard, and they’re not there just for our amusement. 

Chimney swifts are very important small pollinators and ecosystem inhabitants because of their effect on insect community balance. In fact, a pair of nesting swifts consume 12,000 insects in one day alone. 

So, when unexpected tenants, in the form of swifts, come knocking at your door, remember to treat it as a privilege to join the efforts of environmental conservation. 

It’s a delicate matter of being responsible and not disturbing the environment. It teaches us how to maintain friendly relationships with each other, shows us the beauty of diversity, and gives us a sense of unity with them. Plunge in this learning journey and be part of a positive long-term relationship between humans and our natural environment. 

Humane and Safe Removal Options 

A chimney swift is a bird crucial to ecosystems. It might be fun listening to them, but you’d probably rather hear them in the wild and not inside your chimney. 

Therefore, if you have unwanted swifts in your chimney, consult us to learn how to contend with them or fix your chimney so they won’t return. 

Contact us today at 757-596-2298. 

Category iconChimney Safety

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4.4
Based on 135 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.4
John McLaughlin
The team was focused, well organized and well prepared. Very friendly and knowledgeable, explaining everything they were prepared to perform. I’d recommend them to anyone!
Colleen Flick
I was very happy that they were willing to come out to Southampton County to inspect and clean our wood burning stove and chimney. It was costly, but it’s worth it to keep our family and home safe from fire. Thank you Black Goose Chimney.
Scott Davis
They arrived on time and did a great job. I would definitely recommend Black Goose for all your chimney and fireplace maintenance.
Roman Shafranskyi
I highly recommend them! Professional, fast, and top-quality work. I also loved how they cleaned up afterward.
Рома Шафранський
I highly recommend them! Professional, fast, and top-quality work. I also loved how they cleaned up afterward.
Brian Reinhardt
Did an outstanding job of resolving our dryer vent issue -would highly recommend
Annie Fell
We were very happy with the fireplace inspection.
Aнастасия
A year ago, I worked with this company and was very satisfied. Now that it’s time to turn my fireplace back on, I remembered them again and decided to write a thank-you note. They’ve done work not only for me but also for my friends, who have been happy with their service for five years now. Highly recommend!
Steve Rust
I asked Black Goose to come inspect my gas fireplace. Great work and great advice by the two gentlemen who came out. They didn’t swindle or upsell, they were straight forward with the solutions and prices. The drone they use to inspect and take pictures/videos is very useful.
Andy Marshall
Allison Brandon
I appreciate the professional, thorough and friendly service. I trust the quality work that Black Goose chimney has always done on our propane fueled fireplace insert. Thank you.
Mike Lewellen
Laurel Weaver
I’ve used Black Goose Chimney service for years. Always reliable and do a great job. I called them the M and M team due to their initials and they were kind, respectful with a great work ethic!
Michael
Excellent work and excellent technicians
James Slack
Judy Turman
Very good service. Very knowledgable. Will use again if there is a need.
Louis Lee
Very courteous and knowledgeable.
Alisha Horton
Sergey and his partner were fast, efficient, and professional.
Holly Griffin
Mike and his associate were great!
Michael Murphy
I would highly recommend Black goose chimney I bought an old home that has two fireplaces black goose was recommended to me from my builder and they did not disappoint. They gave me a fair price did not try to oversell me was very competent. Bobby was fantastic.
Donna Fish
Black Goose Chimney Sweep, under the leadership of Sergey Gardner, did our chimney sweep/inspection and dryer cleanup with the utmost professionalism and expertise! Sergey and his team were incredibly knowledgeable, and we look forward to working with them again in the future! Thanks so much!!
kathy newcomb
Professional, courteous and honest. Highly recommend and will call them for future service.
Michael Stanton
Customer-oriented and technically proficient company. Highly recommended.
K E Conner
The guys from Black Goose were professional and friendly. Checked out what we needed and answered our questions. Really appreciate their time and expertise. Thanks.
Eugene Schied
Sergey was fantastic. He explained everything about our fireplaces very clearly. He made recommendations for what needed to be replaced and repaired. He took great care to keep everything plan and put back in place.
Rosa Rainey
The young lady on the phone Elizabeth was so sweet and helpful. She helped me make my payment over the phone with no problem! It’s such a joy to still have good customer service around. I haven’t heard that hospitality since the 70s! Mike and Brandon were a delight to have! Thank you Black Goose!
Terry Moore
Great service. Fixed problem and thoroughly cleaned fireplace. Also made us aware of a potential problem in future and provided quote. We’ve used a couple different gas fireplace repair services in the past with less than satisfactory results, but Black Goose Chimney is the best by far. Thank you!
Chris Gibson
Very detail oriented and professional. Experience shows in the care they take to insure the client is happy.
Tim Fary
On time. Didn't try to upset or sell unnecessary service..explained exactly what the problem was and how he repaired it..The are on my first call listSergio was my tech and that's who I will request.
jason scribe
Outstanding professional work with a friendly efficient touch! I would enthusiastically recommend Black Goose hands down…
Leslie Stacks
We had a great first maintenance session with Black Goose Chimney for our gas log fireplace. Scheduling was easy, and on the morning of the maintenance, we were given a courtesy call to update us on the arrival time. Once at our house, the two workers were careful and respectful of our home and proceeded to inspect our fireplace and gas logs. They asked good questions and provided helpful information about our equipment, the safest and best way to use it, and possible improvements. Black Goose Chimney is now on our list of trusted professionals.
Andrew Nelson
Expert and prompt service. I am very happy with the installation and routine maintenance a year later.
Louise Moore
Extremely happy with the cleaning and door repairs John and his helper completed on their service call. I can’t wait for the first cool day to enjoy my fireplace. Both gentlemen were respectful in keeping area clean especially with fireplace soot . They went up on the roof to check for any defects. I will feel safe using my fireplace this fall and winter. I have a dog who is nosey so I had him contained but they made sure i knew when they had to open my backyard gate. I highly recommend Black Goose for anyone need fireplace concerns. They installed my first fireplace insert years ago and it is still working warmly with yearly inspections.
Rob Smith
Mike and Chris from Black Goose Chimney Sweep did an excellent job. I have used Black Goose for a few years now and have always had an excellent experience. They do not try to add on expenses saying well you need this or this has to be done now if it really isn't necessary for the safe operation of your fireplace and dryer. If anyone ever asks me who i recommend for fireplace and/or dryer vent needs i tell them Black Goose
Derek Shaffer
Laz Schaffer
Bobby was personal, professional, experienced & remediated my issues…currently waiting for parts to complete the job
Michael Brown
Great to work with. Mike and Brandon were very knowledgeable and helpful. Hope to have them back to do the remainder of work.
Jerri Michael
Black Goose has a great team from the phones to the inspection teams that do a great job inspection of chimneys and I have them do my dryer too. They provide the required reports I need for my HOA. They pricing is reasonable.
C.R. Brew
Nathaniel
They did a great job all except for Cris so on top of the fire box, I guess the trainee forgot to look up their this is what I pulled down
Milton Foster
Betty Downs
wonderful
Steven DeFonzo
I’ve been a customer for many years now and John and his team are always professional. They do a great job!
Diana Burris
John Wandling
Expert work reasonable price. Definitely recommend.
Brian Canfield
Lyles Forbes
Lori Bean
I would recommend Black Goose Chimney! Great customer service and work was completed from start to finish in a timely matter. I was kept informed every step of the way! I would definitely use this company again in the future!Thank you!Lori Bean
Sherri Schenkelberg
Mike and Chris came to do an inspection and sweep for us, and both were so friendly and professional. They did the cleaning from the inside with a vacuum, and did a great job of keeping everything clean. Great experience.
Jim Livengood
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