That's right, the Chantilly flock of Purple Martins is back again this
year. Saw them late last week (July 1st or 2nd), and again tonight
(July 7th). Tonight at one point we estimated at least 500 Martins in
the one flock circling over the car dealership on Route 50.
The flock circled twice over the same bamboo stand where they roosted
last year, but did not land or roost the whole time we were there.
They remained circling (and presumably, feeding) in the lights over
the car dealer until it was almost completely dark. We gave up and
left at 9:20 PM.
This was much later at night than they stayed up last year. I can
only guess that it might be related to the high temperature. Maybe
the flying insects stay out later, or wait later to come out in good
numbers?
I will keep an eye on them in coming weeks to see if they roost in the
same location as last year.
- Steve Johnson
Fairfax, VA
