N. Dade Purple Martin Roost update


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Posted by Angel & Mariel on 11:12:23 07/09/09

Yesterday a stop at the roost was better than we expected. The number of birds has to have grown to about 7000 birds; we stayed until 8:35pm and watched Martins fly into the roost in larger groups and more frequent than on Saturday. Our goal while there was to film and document the roost with pictures, video and some field sketches. While at the Burger King parking lot we realized that the birds were using trees further to the southeast side of the parking lot where a bank is located. This night there were so many Martins that they are roosting in three to four trees in the parking lot. With so many birds around the Martins had no choice but to use all the power lines in contrast to Saturday s observation. There are lots of juvenile with the group which points to the Martins having a successful breeding season this year. Sad to read the story on the Northeast birds, the Martins down here seem to have made it through ok.
If you are planning to visit the roost be aware that there is a High School nearby and students are walking around, be aware of your surroundings. The neighborhood is safe and you should have no problem but I just wanted to let you know that groups of kids could be walking through the parking lot as you are there.
Yesterday we found that the southeast side of the parking lot is best to view the roost, park in front of the bank and wait until the skies are covered with PUMA silhouettes.
We will continue to keep an eye on the roost in the coming days and weeks; video of the roost will be posted soon!

Nature is Awesome
Angel & Mariel



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