When do PMs leave Central Virginia?

[cervey1]

Another good year for the Purple Martins in my yard. It's the third year for them here. There are times when they are all "at home" and there are a lot of them. I don't recall from previous years when they leave. It's been a surprise in the past. One day they just take off. I think it is early to middle July. Does anyone know?

Also, a Sharp Shined Hawk got one the other day. At least I think it was one. I think I'll go to the Purple Martin Festival this weekend. It is not far away. Maybe meet some other fans of Purple Martins from the area there. I've seen a few properties around with many gourds, one is called Bird Haven towards Madison. I'm curious how many they have.

Thanks Purple Martin fans. Have a good one.

[scottfreidhof]

We share a similar latitude and your mid July timeframe sounds about right. My birds begin fledging during the first week of July and most have fledged by the middle of the month. Some years a small number of family groups return to the gourds each evening for maybe a week and some years they just go and the yard is suddenly quiet. Given your location in central Virginia, timing might be a little earlier for you.

[cervey1]

I've seen beaks peaking out the openings in the gourds. Now I've seen little Martins in flight. They'll be gone soon. I so enjoy watching them. Thanks for response Scott.