Many people, upon seeing a quick, small blackish bird flying out of the fireplace and into the living room, think they are seeing a bat.  Chimney Swifts are NOT bats!  They are actually related to the Hummingbird species.  They are unable to perch like most birds and must cling to rough textured surfaces.  These birds are beneficial to us, consuming thousands of mosquitoes and other small flying insects each day.  If you believe the noise in your chimney might be Swifts, please call us for information on what to do.  Our center is committed to promoting the conservation of Chimney Swifts.  If you have a masonry chimney and would like to provide nesting habitat for Chimney Swifts or find an adult bird in your house or babies in your fireplace, please contact Wildbird Recovery for help.  We welcome the opportunity to educate the public about these species.