Thursday, August 10, 2023

The Return Of The Purple Martin


 

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.


Purple Martin
Picture courtesy/New Jersey Birds


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!
  





No comments:

Post a Comment