Su Clauson-Wicker
Special to The Roanoke Times
RADFORD â A band of chimney swifts will soon set off on their long flight home to the New River Valley â 3,000 to 4,000 miles from their winter quarters in Central or South America â feeding on the wing, dodging skyscrapers, towers and hawks.
At night the birds will seek shelter in hollow trees or chimneys, and if none are available, theyâll overnight clinging to the sides of walls or cliffs. The swiftsâ long wings and short feet are adapted for flight, but prevent them from perching on branches.
When the exhausted avians finally arrive in Radford â which some reliably will, says Radford bird lover Wilson Rankin, because swifts have nesting fidelity â their chimney home at McHarg Elementary School will be gone. It was demolished in August during the renovation of Radfordâs oldest school.