the swifts

every september in portland, a colony of swifts circles, swoops, & dives into the chimney of chapman school for their nighttime roost. after living in portland for five years, this is the first time we've watched this phenomenon. it was a lovely site. 

we did arrive uncharacteristally early, though, so before they really did their magic--their opening, closing, tightening, swaying, swooping, swarming funnel, the kids were ready to leave, so we sort of missed the grand finale!