Chimney Swift Tower at Library a Hopeful Spot for Birds in Highland Township
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 25, 2025)
Highland Township, MI – A recently built habitat near the Highland Township Public Library is giving Chimney Swifts a place to stay. Thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Jason Zarate, the tower is designed to provide a safe nesting site for these migratory birds.
Unlike most birds, Chimney Swifts have stout legs and are can only perch in a vertical position. They nest vertically as well, almost exclusively using man made structures with a strong preference for chimneys. This can cause some friction with humans who may not want birds living in their fireplaces. And though it is illegal to remove them until after the young have left the nests due to federal protections, habits can be scarce as people remove nests and block entrances. Yet this bird, who devours flying insects and can also be a joy for birdwatchers, needs that specific type of environment.
That’s where Zarate came in. He built the tower in the fall of 2024. According to Zarate, the tower’s design was based on plans from the book “Chimney Swift Towers: New Habitat for America’s Mysterious Birds” by Paul D. Kyle. The wooden kiosk-style tower was chosen for its visual appeal and resemblance to a chimney.
The Library was a perfect location for the tower because it adjoins a meadow that the tower’s creator was already familiar with. Zarate completed a habitat restoration project there previously as part of a Great Lakes Bioneers Youth Grant.
The meadow features native wildflowers and open space, an ideal location for the birds to soar over and snatch up their prey.
While the tower is currently unoccupied, Zarate hopes that it will attract Chimney Swifts in the future. The birds are known to migrate to Michigan from April to September, spending the winter months in South America. Chimney Swift towers have been successful across the US and Canada, but it can take a few seasons for the birds to catch on an inhabit the structures.
In fact, a local homeowner currently has an unwanted pair of Chimney Swifts nesting in their chimney, and Zarate is seeking assistance to safely relocate them to the tower. Anyone with resources or contacts that could help with this matter is encouraged to reach out.
The Highland Township Public Library, where the tower is located, has a strong commitment to preserving outdoor space for local wildlife. The library has developed its outdoor space over the past seven years, adding features such as a story walk and maintaining the patch of woods that provides amazing views from the large library windows.
The library recently hired artist Chelsea Hensbergen of Earth & Ether Art to paint a mural on the tower as part of its summer reading program theme, “Color Our World,” and in the spirit of the Highland Kindness Project. The mural was paid for by the Friends of the Highland Library and highlights the need to help Chimney Swifts find a home.
“We hope that this tower will become a safe haven for these amazing birds,” said Brenda Dunseth. “We’re excited to see if the Chimney Swifts will make it their home.” The community is encouraged to visit the tower and learn more about Chimney Swifts and the importance of conservation efforts. Learn more about the Highland Township Library at https://highlandlibrary.info/
