by Tiffany Craig / KHOU 11 News
khou.com
Posted on August 1, 2011 at 7:37 AM
STAFFORD, Texas -- Thousands of Purple Martins are taking up temporary residence at the Fountains Shopping Center, just off Highway 59 South.
The migration was noticed by someone as the birds took off one morning. You can even see the birds on weather radar.
Atilio Serrano saw the bird watchers and came out to see what the fuss was about.
"It’s amazing," says Serrano. "This is the first time that I see this."
Mary Anne Weber with the Houston Audubon says the birds are headed to Brazil for the winter.
"You know it’s like getting your travel directions before going on a big trip," says Serrano. "They gather by the thousands."
The most exciting part happens just after 8 p.m. when all the birds fly to the oak trees in the front of the shopping center to roost.
"The noise is really incredible of them all coming in," says Weber. "They swoop down over your head. It’s hard to describe but it’s an experience everyone should experience."
The birds are expected to stick around for another week or two.
Dear PM Landlords,
Our date to gather to watch the Purple Martin Roost in Garland is
getting closer. I have the location map of the premigratory roost and
roads to get there attached and like to thank our PMLNT member Ian Scarr for
his help with this.
Date: Saturday, 6 August 2011
Premigratory Roost in Garland, TX 75041
AMF Bowling Lanes parking lot
1950 Market Place
across
the Market Street is a large WalMart
Time: 7:30 pm is a good time to come and visit with our
PMLNT members before the roost. By 9:00 pm the martins should be settled
in the trees for the night. I heard it is quite awesome to watch the
roost again this year and to know that all our fledglings and adult martins are
there somewhere. We really need to wish them a safe Migration.
I hope to see many of you there. Put this letter with the
important date on your refrigerator.
Wishing you a very nice day
Gisela,
PMLNT President
E: giselaf@earthlink.net
