THE BRIGHT SIDE
The annual Swift Night Out at the Geneva Lake Museum is on Thursday, September 10th.
Chimney swifts historically roosted and nested inside large, hollow trees in old-growth forests before shifting to human-made masonry chimneys as European settlement and the Industrial Revolution cleared out their natural habitats. By the early 1800s, people began noticing chimney swifts abandoning hollow trees to nest and roost inside stone and brick fireplaces and chimneys. Swifts have tiny feet and special tail spines that let them cling to vertical, rough surfaces like unlined brick, but they cannot perch horizontally or land on the ground.
During migration seasons in spring and fall, thousands of swifts gather at sunset, swirling in a tornado-like formation before diving headfirst into a chimney to rest safely away from predators.
On Thursday, food trucks will be available at the museum starting at 5:00 p.m. before the birds begin to arrive. At 6 p.m. enjoy an “Eagles and Friends” indoor educational program. At dusk, thousands of acrobatic Chimney Swifts gather and circle the museum’s tall brick chimney. The birds dive together in a funnel-like vortex directly into the chimney to roost for the night. Bring your own binoculars and cameras to watch and capture the flight.
Fall activities and events are being scheduled so mark your calendars so you don’t miss out.
The Geneva Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show at the Abby Marina is just about here. Saturday, September 26th, and Sunday, September 27th. This is an annual event held at the Abby Resort Harbor. The Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society is passionate about the event and enjoys sharing it with everyone every year. Yes, it is open to the public and has free admission.
The beautiful mostly wooden boats are on display Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., including a boat parade Saturday at 4 p.m. This is great for everyone, even if you are not a boat enthusiast. The boats are works of art, and all will be congregated in one beautiful harbor on a beautiful early fall day.
Person of the Week
Jessica. Wonderful waitress at the new and now open Breakfast House on Broad St.
