Large Roost Active in Springfield, MO

[Jeff Robinson]

I got a call from Jay Chism tonight, reporting a large Purple Martin roost in the industrial park area of NE Springfield. According to Jay, the location is nearest "The Courts" at 4136 East Kearney St, Springfield, MO, 65803. Link to map of the area:
http://maps.google.com/maps?jsid=1&hl=e ... CAMQkwMwAQ

He said they were swarming in the trees and area of the cell tower, in the 10s of thousands, according to Jay. My wife and I will be out there tomorrow evening if anybody in the area wants to join us.

Several of my holes have fledged with many more to fledge over the next few to several weeks. Coopers Hawk has been scouring my area daily, and this morning @ 6:40am, I witnessed him catching a fledgling in mid-air as about 150 - 200 from my colony were chasing him, but it escaped, and the hawk was severely chastised and chased off with his tail between his legs! What a sight to see the Cooper fluttering down as he was trying to secure and maintain his grip on the martin, but it was a very lucky day for that little one as it jetted off to freedom after escaping the grim reaper!

Cheers to all!

Jeff

[Trishy]

I like a happy ending. Too bad they can't all be like that. I hear you guys are getting hot awfully early down there. I am heading to the Lake of the Ozarks Sunday to visit some relatives. I lived in Rolla for 10 years and then moved back to Wisconsin. I am still wondering if I did the right thing.

[Jeff Robinson]

Hi Trish,

Well, they say we're in a moderate drought here in the Springfield area, but with the forcasted hot temps and no rain in sight over the next week, it's only going to get worse. It was 103.1 at my house Sunday when I was working in the yard, and it's supposed to hit the 100s at least a few times over the next several days. Fortunately, we've had a few scattered rain showers over the past few weeks, so there are still enough insects around to get us thru martin fledging.

Sorry to hear you're doubting your move Trish. Personally, I love the Ozarks and will never move again. I spent 11 years in North Dakota, and although there are many things, nature related, that I treasure about the north country, I do Not miss the miserably long cold winters (although I do miss the ice fishing). I hope you enjoy your visit with relatives in Lake of the Ozarks this weekend. Several of my friends and family members will joining us for our annual holiday float trip at Alley Springs on the Jack's Fork River this Saturday (near Eminence, MO).

Jeff

[DornCounty]

keep us updated.. that's only a 2hr drive for me.. if I can't find a local roost after mine leave I may try to chekc that one out.

Post some photos if you can

[Jeff Robinson]

I'll send an update tonight or tomorrow morning.

[Lenora C]

Thank you Mr Robinson for the roost information. We are unable to watch tonight. It sounds amazing, with "10s of thousands" of martins. Please do post pictures and wave hello to our purple friends from the west side of town.
Lenora

[Guest]

I spoke to Jeff tonight, Wednesday, and he was there to see them arrive in droves. I understand he got some good pictures and I'm anxious to see them. If any of you have the chance, it's worth the travel to see it.

[Jeff Robinson]

Great evening of viewing the roost last night. When we first arrived around 8:30pm, there were thousands of starlings everywhere with small groups of martins flying around. In the next 10 minutes, all the starlings disappeared into the trees. Then hordes of groups of martins started coming together from all directions, until they filled the sky in a panaramic view, circling the area of trees they were going to roost in - thousands of them. Between 8:45pm and 9pm, it was quite the spectacle. Within the last 2 - 3 minutes of viewing, groups of about 1,000+ would dive down at a time from the main circling group - it looked like raining martins, and it took several groups for them to all settle into the trees. I only had my phone camera available and took many pictures, but after viewing the poor quality of most of the pictures, I only saved a few. You should be able to view them at the following link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1075511211 ... directlink

Thanks for letting us know Jay!
Jeff

[DornCounty]

thanks for the report. amazing sight.