Unprecedented Chimney Swift Roost, UNC’s Famed Davie Poplar Makes History

Posted Oct 19, 2024
A remarkable occurrence is taking place on campus right now, at one of UNC’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks. This fall – and apparently for the last couple years – thousands of birds have gathered at the Davie Poplar as part of their migration. The birds are chimney swifts, so named because they typically roost in chimneys. (Chapelboro.com)

Related: Campus Connections

There’s no fool like The Motley Fool
It all started April 1, 1994, with an internet message board post. "Joey Roman" bragged that a particular stock was "hotter than an egg on...
Wed Sep 9, 2026

The JB Cissell Memorial Fund
On September 7, 2019, Inside Carolina lost a treasured, founding member of its family in J.B. Cissell. You can read more about him and what...
Mon Sep 7, 2026

'Puppy Love': Dolly Parton's first recorded song, made at age 13, draws mourners to UNC
Flags across the state are flying at half-staff as fans mourn country music icon Dolly Parton. At UNC, her very first recorded song, cut when...
Sun Sep 6, 2026

Meet UNC’s Sarah Ferguson: A musician, model and the first paraplegic Marching Tar Heel
On early mornings, you might find University of North Carolina student Sarah Ferguson doing laps around campus, camera in hand, taking advantage of the quiet...
Sat Sep 5, 2026