Local teen builds chimney swift tower as Eagle Scout Project

Jakob Moberly, a Boy Scout from Troop 13 in St. Charles, led the construction of a 14-foot tall chimney swift tower at Jon Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin for his Eagle Scout project.

A "Chimney Swift Tower" is a habitat for a specific breed of bird (chimney swifts), who require unique nesting environments.

The population of chimney swifts in the Fox Valley area had been declining in recent years and Jakob was encouraged by a local bird enthusiast to build a tower to help keep the birds in the area.

Chimney swifts feed on flying insects, so the location of the tower along the Fox River was perfect.

Built with wood, insulation, vinyl siding, steel legs and a concrete base, the tower stands an impressive 14 feet high.

Jakob raised nearly $500 to cover the cost of materials by selling baked goods, and over 30 volunteers contributed a total of 200 hours to the project.

Jakob is anxiously awaiting the tower's first residents.

The senior at St. Charles North High School received his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor Dec. 10 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles.