Emma Dougherty is an ecology researcher at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. She is currently studying the effects of light pollution on the roosting behavior of Chimney Swifts.

Here is a description of the project:

Effects of artificial light on Chimney Swift roosting behavior

The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) has been shown to have widespread effects on the phenology and behaviors of wildlife. In birds, this has led to extended periods of singing, calling, and active feeding. Chimney swifts [Chaetura pelagica] are a small insectivorous species of bird that is distributed across North and South America. They are an interesting example of commensalism with humans, utilizing artificial structures such as chimneys for nesting, breeding, and roosting, sometimes in groups comprised of thousands of individuals. Chimney swifts are declining and are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, for reasons that are unclear. For this project, we are examining the effects of ALAN on the roosting behavior in this threatened species.  

If the reader has information on roost sites or possible roost sites of Chimney Swifts please contact Emma at this address: emmadough@student.fdu.edu