Your Friendly Neighborhood Chimney Bird with Stefan Karkuff (October 16, 2025)

Chimney swifts (Chaetura pelagica) have a long history tied to human settlement in the eastern United States. Over centuries, this species adapted its nesting habits to include primarily man-made chimneys. Unfortunately, this amazing adaptation could be part of their demise, as we continue to see range-wide population losses over the past 10 years. What’s causing these declines, and what can you do to help? Come learn about the chimney swifts’ natural history and conservation, and gain an appreciation for these amazing creatures living in your local neighborhood.

Stefan grew up in Central Pennsylvania, where he caught the birding bug as a young teenager.  During his formative years, he was a field technician studying golden-winged warblers in southern New York and Seaside Sparrows on Long Island.  After grad school, Stefan returned to Central Pennsylvania as a Pheasants Forever biologist working with local farmers to create wildlife habitat on private lands, mainly converting cropland to grassland habitat.  In 2022, he took a position with the Game Commission as the avian recovery biologist working on statewide initiatives to recover Pennsylvania’s declining bird species.  He enjoys birding, hiking, and camping across the county, running, and planting wildflower meadows in his local area.

Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)

All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.