South Park in South Park Township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Why is this tower here?
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 27, 2023
1. Why is this tower here? Marker
We built it to help Chimney Swifts
This tower gives Chimney Swifts a place to nest and roost. Traditionally, these birds used large hollow trees. As large trees disappeared, they began to use chimneys. Now, modern chimneys are often capped or made of slick metal, making it impossible for the birds to build a nest.
In spring, the swifts return from South America to breed. The nest is made of twigs glued to each other and to the interior wall using the bird's saliva. Both the male and female help to build the nest. Bristle-tipped tail feathers, and specialized feet allow the birds to cling to vertical surfaces.
To learn more about Chimney Swifts, how you can help them, contact Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, www.aswp.org 412-963-6100
Erected by Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 40° 18.481′ N, 79° 59.992′ W. Marker is in South Park Township, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in South Park. It is on Corrigan Drive, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Early Days of the Big Fair (here, next to this marker); The End of the Big Fair Days (here, next to this marker); Light Battery "B" (a few steps from this marker); 18th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Lieutenant Friend W. Jenkins (a few steps from this marker); 14th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Armed Forces Nurses
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 27, 2023
2. Why is this tower here? Marker and Tower
Regarding Why is this tower here?. Limited but useful historical information on why the specialized habitat towers were built throughout South Park.
Also see . . .
1. Audubon's Chimney Swift Tower Program. (Submitted on June 8, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Chimney Swift Identification (The Cornell Lab). (Submitted on June 8, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 27, 2023
3. Life on the Wing Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
