My little colony is hanging at 5 or 6 pairs as usual, and we're happy to have them back again. Last week just after major thunderstorms rolled through, I went out to check on them, and there were at least a hundred martins flying in patterns over the yard. It was kind of eerie to see them wheeling silently in the foggy weather. I started calculating in my head "hmm, I can take 20 pairs, that's 40 birds. Don't know what to do with the rest though!"
It was too dark and they were too high to get any pictures. It went on long enough that I could call out my family and they all got a good look too.
When the weather cleared up the next day, we were back to our usual dozen or so birds. I am not sure what was going on but it was quite a sight, reminiscent of when they leave in the fall.
Huge flock in bad weather
-
DebA
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 7:43 am
- Location: Pratt County/Kansas
- Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.
Wow. I am like you, used to the six pair numbers. That would be something to see!
Deb
Deb
PMCA MEMBER
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR