Purple Martins over Carolina Park, Brantford

[Bill Lamond]

Hi,

This late morning there were Purple Martins flying over the house and adjacent Carolina Park in Brantford. I heard one first about 10:00 a.m. and went out into the park to have a look. I eventually saw one and then soon three, all males. They are difficult to count as they were relatively low and moving all over. Eventually I saw three females together and lastly eight all together briefly. There were no other swallows in the mix as I watched them for 10 minutes but a couple of swifts kept me on my toes for the final tally. They are sure a joy to watch in flight. Their calls are great too but they were calling very infrequently. 

I'm not sure if migrants is the best term for these birds. They have certainly left their breeding areas but are lazily making their way south feeding as they go. No hurry to leave Ontario yet but with the next cold front they could be mostly gone.

Up until about 5 years ago Purple Martin was a rare sighting from my yard. Now I get them almost annually in August. I'd like to think this species has increased in number but I think it is more a case of me being in the backyard more and not at work.

Bill