Picture Of The Week 08-04-08

Where: Richmond, VA • 17th Street Farmers Market in downtown Richmond

Notes: I was invited to visit the Seventeenth Street Farmers Market in downtown Richmond to witness an annual natural event. This event has occurred for years in late July or early August. Around twilight the dimming sky appears to be peppered with spots everywhere. Thousands and thousands of these large swallows (7" to 8" long) circle high overhead as they ready to descend in groups to their nighttime roost. They ALL overnight together in only three or four specific trees for a few weeks in late summer at this particular spot. This gathering is in preparation for the flock's migration to South America.

As we arrived at the parking lot I noticed a single Martin sitting in the cobblestone street. We parked and headed over to investigate. We found this female Martin with apparent damage to her left wing. She is now at a local rehabber's undergoing examination. Thanks to dedicated animal rehabilitator's like Caryn Feinberg (Federally and State Licensed • 804-364-6098) injured animals are given a chance to survive and hopefully be returned to the wild.

When rumors of the city cutting down these trees made its way to several local conservation groups, such as the Richmond Audubon Society, cooperation with the Mayor's office resulted in preserving the roost site trees, increasing public awareness and perhaps boosing the Shockoe Bottom economy. Special thanks to Mayor Doug Wilder for making the inaugural Richmond Purple Martin Festival "It's For The Birds" possible and helping to preserve this unique site. Also thanks to “Jimmy” Fitzgerald who identified this roost site in 2006 by examining Doppler radar. Jimmy is a passionate Purple Martin “landlord” and has helped increase public awareness of this roost site. And thanks to Steve Osberger who negotiated approval for a Purple Martin festival through the Mayor’s office.