A METHOD THAT HELPS SAVE CHIMNEY SWIFTS THAT COME DOWN YOUR CHIMNEY
backyardwildlifeconnection by Terry W.Johnson
Occasionally chimney swifts will end up in a fireplace. If this happens to you, here is a tip that just might save the bird and prevent it from flying about your house.
If you find a chimney swift in your fireplace, hang a dark cloth across the front of the fireplace making sure that all of the light from your room is completely blocked off. It is also helpful if you shut off the lights is the room and close the drapes. Once this has been accomplished, the only light the chimney swift will be able to see will be coming down the chimney. In many cases, the stranded bird will make its way upward trying to reach the light coming down the chimney. If it is able to do so, your problem is solved.
This technique will not work if the bird is a juvenile. Juveniles have wings that are much shorter than those of the adults. In addition, they will be very vocal. If the stranded bird is a juvenile, the best thing that you can do is contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, the names of the licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area can be obtained by calling the Wildlife Conservation Office located in Forsyth, Georgia. The telephone number for this office is 478-994-1438.
