[va-richmond-general] Pre-migratory Purple Martin roost

This morning I met with 2 other birders down in the Bottom to see the birds
take off, plus we were joined by a medical contract worker from PA who just
stumbled across the Gone 2 the Birds festival last night.  It was
interesting as always and we learned new things.  The first bird left alone
at 5:25 and the last big departure was about 6:25, though there were
stragglers leaving for some time after.  I did not take good notes but Kathy
probably wrote down the times.  The sudden changes in volume we have all
noticed seem to be very specifically tied to absolutely every move made by
the resident peregrine falcons (we probably mistake some changes for
reactions to the red-tailed hawk, but I doubt that now due to the ambush
techniques it favors).  The birds began chattering and moving around even
before I arrived at 5:15 and the air begins to fill with down feathers and
frequent loud splats that sound like an approaching downpour.  We realized
the peregrines were in place on their usual building early on, and all the
waves of martins departed in any direction except that one.  They stream
away low and fast through the buildings, but I got to see one of the
peregines do a streaking dive after one of the waves when I went to the
other side of the trees from the parking lot next to the bakery.  The lady
who works with vendors in the farmers' market saw a peregrine go into the
trees at 10pm recently to get a meal.  She was very careful with her ID, by
the way.

 

If you haven't been down there it is not hard to find, it is very unique,
and you might never have this opportunity again if the birds change their
roost next year.  There are purple martin enthusiasts who are making extra
sure to bring their grandchildren to see these birds, and some of the purple
martin landlords have said that the sounds they hear at the roost are unlike
anything they hear in their colonies.  If you want to count the birds, I
think from what I saw today that morning is probably the best time to
attempt it.  It is a more measured pace, they fly in one direction instead
of the birdy tornado, and you have more light.  Heck, I was almost tempted
to count!  Birders are there every night and to my knowledge we have not had
any problems with police or street people.  There is free parking around on
the streets or you can pay in the lot next to the trees if you prefer.  

 

Rex has a very nice story in the Times-Dispatch this morning about the
festival.
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-26-0190
.html

 

Have a great day!

 

Jan

Richmond

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