DNR Media Contacts:
Columbia - Brett Witt (803) 667-0696
Clemson - Greg Lucas (864) 654-1671, ext.22
Charleston - (803) 667-0696
Spokesman - Mike Willis (803) 734-4133
After Hours Radio Room - (803) 955-4000

DNR News
SC Dept. of Natural Resources
P 0 Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202

** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

Nesting chimney swifts are source of noise now heard in fireplaces

Most homeowners were unaware that birds were nesting inside their chimneys until the young swifts started their loud food-begging calls at two weeks of age. It takes about 30 days after hatching for the young to leave the nest. Swifts are highly beneficial birds, do not spread vermin, and only use the chimney during the warm months when the fireplace is dormant. Like other birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1916, chimney swifts are protected from being pursued, captured or killed.

• Natural Resources Board meets July 21 in Charleston
• New Broad River fish passage facility dedicated in Columbia
• Upstate youth dove hunt applications due by Aug. 18
• Applications now being accepted for Anderson County dove hunt
• Nesting chimney swifts are source of noise now heard in fireplaces
• Hampton marine conservation banquet set for Aug. 12
• S.C. Conservation Bank commits $9 million for habitat protection
• Alligator warning signs now available
• Hunting, fishing licenses are up for renewal in S.C.
• Beach vitex may threaten sea turtle hatchlings
• Youth deer hunts to be held this fall by Santee Cooper, DNR
• DNR replanting oyster reefs
• Biologist says people can learn to co-exist with black bears
• ‘Mary Agnes’ wins Bohicket tournament in Governor’s Cup Series
• Statewide deer harvest stable in 2005
• Quail Unlimited Midlands funds habitat at Manchester State Forest
• S.C. Wildlife Federation will celebrate 75th anniversary
• Freshwater Fishing Trends
• Saltwater Fishing Trends
• S.C. Weekly Tidetable