Chimney Swifts Take Up Residence | Calgary News

Winnipeg couple Nettie and Thomas Rempel-Ong are hosting uninvited but charming guests: federally threatened chimney swifts, whose eerie chirping has turned their 91-year-old home into a bird sanctuary. These “flying cigars” — once common in hollow trees, now clinging to chimneys — are in steep decline, down 88% since 1970, due to habitat loss, dwindling insect prey, and climate change. The couple’s chimney is now legally protected, and conservationists are helping them build a second chimney to attract more swifts — nature’s mosquito-eating roommates. Thomas calls them “swifties,” and he’s thrilled to be part of their comeback story. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f05fc25007989fe0