The purple martin fledglings were learning to fly just in time. We read in the paper that this year they were congregating by Via Christi Hospital in Wichita. We decided to go!
There were quite a few people this year.
A couple of years ago when we went, the birds congregated in Old Town and there was only one other couple with us.
We craned our necks to watch for them to fly in.
Around 8:15 we spotted just a few...
then a few more....
They estimated that there were about 50,000 purple martins!!
They circled around and around.
They'd come a little lower, and then fly up high again.
There was a hawk flying about which explained the reluctance to land in the trees.
And then all of a sudden with a whoosh, they swooped into the trees.
They came from behind and above and all around.
Right past our ears!
What noise!! Lots of birds crying out and the whirr of the wings.
Obviously I didn't have the right camera setting for such fast action!!
Then the crowd gasped and yelled as we saw 2 hawks fly right into the trees.
No one saw the hawks leave with a bird in their claws, however.
Good job, purple martins, to escape your arch enemy!
* * *
So now at home, our purple martin home is quiet.
There is an occasional starling who wants to check it out.
Each day our family comes back for just a time.
We have heard that the majority of the birds have taken flight to Brazil.
But some with fledglings that have just learned to fly are waiting a little while longer.
Grow strong, little ones! Over 4,600 miles to fly!!
Isn't it amazing that our Creator made birds to migrate like this?!
Isn't it amazing that our Creator made birds to migrate like this?!
Our neighbors are moving and will take their house with them.
We may need to put up another house,
or encourage new neighbors to join in the hobby!
