Thinking of Phil Calise

[Eric Ellingson]

The Purple Martins are arriving back at Semiahmoo. I was out at the Spit at sunset and saw several returning to the housing—Phil would have known the exact date of their arrival to the day.

As many of you know, Phil’s care for these birds was unique; being on-site allowed him to be a constant steward for the colony for many years. Whether he started the project or simply became its heart, his presence is woven into the history of those boxes.

Eric