Vaux’s Swifts at McNear Brickyard
Thursday, September 15, 5 PM to dark
Leader: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 925-935-2979

Every fall when Vaux’s Swifts fly to Central and northern South America, they pass through the Bay Area and take advantage of chimneys for evening roosts.  Two well-known locations are in Healdsburg and San Rafael.  Due to its proximity, the MDAS trip this year will visit McNear Brickyard in San Rafael.  This is our first trip to this site.  We may easily see more than 10,000 swifts enter a tall brick chimney.

Rating: Category 1 — short walk and sitting
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 925-935-2979
Meet: McNear Brickyard in San Rafael

Directions: Drive to San Rafael and exit Hwy 101 at 3rd Street near the downtown area when driving north–4th street when driving south.  Turn east onto 3rd Street which becomes Point San Pedro Road.  Drive about 5-1/2 miles and look for the entry road to McNear Brickyard.  Turn right and park on the side of the road before the closed gate.

We shall arrive while it is still light, then watch the Swifts circle before they enter the chimney.  Bring a lawn chair and take-out dinner.  We shall eat while waiting for the big show.  Call leaders for exact details.

This field trip is limited to 13 participants.  Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/401539735157/

Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

(Vaux’s Swifts photo by Maren Smith)