A Chimney Swift tower was recently constructed and installed at Orlando Wetlands Park (OWP) in Christmas, Florida, by members of Boy Scout Troop 125.  Robert Grieger, an Eagle Scout candidate, and his fellow scouts and troop leaders erected the tower next to the environmental education building at OWP.  This was a cooperative project with Orange Audubon Society (OAS) and OWP.

The tower has insulation, durable components, predator guards and more.  Chimney Swifts in North America are very dependent on man-made chimneys; of course, far fewer are available nowadays than in the past.  This tower was designed so that it can be outfitted with a webcam at some time in the future so that people will be able to observe the activity in the tower.  Keep your fingers crossed that Chimney Swifts will start using the structure.  OAS plans to get additional towers built, especially since Chimney Swifts are usually single-brooded—there will be only one active nest in any structure regardless of the size of the site.

Thank you Boy Scout Troop 125 and Orange Audubon Society for their dedication to protecting Florida's natural heritage!