Like the cliff swallows returning to roost in San Juan Capistrano, California
every year in the springtime, the folks in South Jersey and wild bird watchers
from surrounding areas are anticipating one of nature's most exciting and
mysterious events this second week of August, with the annual return
of Purple Martins to the tidal marshlands surrounding the
historic Maurice River in Cumberland County.
According to CU Maurice River, the official website of
the Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its
Tributaries, the tidal marshes around the Mauricetown
bridge are the annual staging ground for hundreds of
thousands of Purple Martins each year.
Swirling down from the skies like a great avian whirlwind, these
large swallows are sure to delight onlookers with a series of daring
aerial feats before settling down among the marsh grasses for the night.
These feisty birds, whose beautiful plumage is not actually
purple, but a shimmering midnight blue, will remain in
the area for several weeks, performing acrobats in the sky
at sunset, while feasting on the local insect population-
I have read that fresh caught dragonflies are an
especially delicious treat-in order to build up
and store the fat needed to eventually carry them
farther south to their winter home in Brazil.
Although it is currently pouring rain in my neck of the woods today,
as severe thunderstorms are rumbling across southern New Jersey,
I hope those who have scheduled cruises on the Maurice River or
will brave the elements while standing out on the bridge, will be
able to see and experience this awesome winging wonder of nature.
But make sure to pack an umbrella or two-just in case!
Happy Bird-watching!
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