‘Birds over Broadway’ bringing a wildlife spectacle to Downtown L.A.

Audubon Center at Debs Park and Los Angeles Audubon Society organizing viewers on Sept. 23 and Sept. 30

This fall, nature enthusiasts from across the Southland will flock to a downtown parking structure to watch a rare spectacle in the sky overhead. At dusk, thousands of migrating Vaux’s Swifts – small, cigar-shaped birds with crescent wings – will cloud around the chimney of the Chester Williams Building. When a couple of birds finally take the plunge, the rest of the flock literally pours down the chimney and disappears for the night. This “swoop” of swifts is a rare treat, even rarer still in the urban environment of Downtown Los Angeles.

WHAT: A rare migrating spectacle of Vaux’s Swifts over Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles.

WHO: Anyone interested in seeing the wonders of nature in an urban environment. Like nature, all ages are welcome, and it’s free of charge. Viewers are encouraged to bring a picnic, binoculars if you have them, and something to sit on.

WHEN: Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Audubon Center at Debs Park and the Los Angeles Audubon Society.

WHERE: Top floor of the Joe’s Auto Park at 440 Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Parking is $3. From the Red Line, exit at Pershing Square Station.

WHY: Birds are among the most visible and intriguing wildlife in Los Angeles. This bi-annual spectacle is an awe-inspiring reminder that nature is right here, in the city, and we’re in nature all the time.