Ron Windingstad will host the Friday, August 27th workshop held at the Henderson Community Building covering the Chimney Swift project being conducted by Audubon Minnesota.
About Ron Windingstad
Ron is the Audubon at Home Coordinator for Audubon Minnesota. Ron’s primary task is to promote bird conservation efforts on private lands in and adjacent to Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Minnesota through outreach/education with the public and development of partnerships required for the success of those efforts. As part of the Audubon at Home Program Ron coordinates the Audubon Minnesota Chimney Swift Conservation Project and the Purple Martin Conservation Project. Ron retired as a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service working on diseases of migratory birds. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Augsburg College and after serving as an Air Force pilot Ron received his Master’s degree in wildlife management at UW-Steven’s Point
Audubon Minnesota’s Chimney Swift Conservation Project
While vertical shafts like chimneys can be a hazard for other species, they are ideal for Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica), with their long claw-like feet and stiff tail bristles used to cling to rough vertical surfaces. Changes in heating methods, chimney construction, and maintenance have now greatly reduced the availability of nesting sites for swifts. As a result of these trends the Chimney Swifts have declined by about 50% over the last forty years. These recent trends have prompted Audubon Minnesota to undertake efforts to promote Chimney Swift conservation by educating chimney owners about the Chimney Swifts and facilitating the building of new structures specifically for use by these birds as nest and roost sites.
