A new tower for Dripping Springs Ranch Park

Thanks to a fifteen-year-old boy scout, Dripping Springs Ranch Park has a new feature that will enhance birding in the park: a Chimney Swift Tower.

Alexander Seshan, a boy scout with Life Scout Troop 280, took on the task of building the tower as his eagle scout project. The tower serves as a home for Chimney Swifts, birds named after where they make their homes. Since many chimneys were capped off or torn down, Chimney Swifts have had to make their homes and in air shafts, wells, cisterns, etc. As a result, their population is decreasing, and they are considered “Near Threatened.”

Seshan is a sophomore in high school and has been a scout since first grade. “As a scout, I like helping people achieve their goals and seeing them grow,” he said. “I chose the Chimney Swift Tower as my project because I wanted to do something for Dripping Springs Ranch Park, and they said it was needed.”

It took Seshan more than 150 hours to build the tower. He started his project in July and finished at the beginning of August. It stands approximately 12 ft. tall and was built with materials contributed by McCoy’s Building Supply. Seshan said he hopes the project will receive recognition as a Distinguished Conservation Service Project.

“This is a tremendous gift to the City and something Ranch Park visitors can enjoy for years to come,” Mayor Bill Foulds said. “We are most appreciative of Alexander’s work and effort.”

Chimney Swifts migrate to the northern portion of South America in the winter but can be found in Texas in the spring, generally arriving at the beginning of April.

The new Chimney Swift Tower is located at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, just north of the pond. The park is located at 1042 Event Center Drive in Dripping Springs. For more information, contact the Dripping Springs Parks and Community Service department at (512) 894-2400.