Purple Martins Bell Road

[Chris]

While I was cycling this afternoon, I thought I heard a call of a Purple Martin. As a result, I stopped to check it out. There was a larger swallow flying above the field but I couldn't confirm anything although it looked very good for a female Purple Martin. Ultimately, it flew around a Tree Swallow to get a good comparison. A few minutes later a male Purple Martin arrived a lot easier to ID. There may have been three Martins in total but definitely two.

The female was present for around 15 minutes. Not sure if they are from the Harrison Mills area, quite far or if they are nesting close by. I often go by on my bike so will be keeping a close eye out.

[Gord]

Nice find and for the date makes one think they are nesting nearby? An ASY (after second year so hatched 2021 or earlier) adult male in full purple colours is likely on a nest site by now. The young birds are the ones that can start later as they tend to be the ones who move around to find a new colony to join or start. There was a family who wrote me a few years back about making and placing martin boxes on their farm. I should write them and see if they have had luck or at least share the sighting. I think they do live in the area

[Jon]

I remember having a pair on Fairfield a few years ago.
There were in a field off of Kitchen Rd. ebird.org/checklist/S37395794

[Chris]

Interesting Jon. A little east from mine but definitely worth noting.

Had a male this evening and likely a female.