Every year we see baby migratory birds. We have to have them ready to be on their own by the times they migrate for the winter. This year we raised three baby Purple Martins. I wasn't too worried for two reasons. Number one, they normally do not leave our area until the first week of September. Number two, in years past the Purple Martins have gathered in large numbers here at the rescue center before they leave.
I worry now because this year is different. The Purple Martins left the rescue center as soon as their young fledged. I have not seen a Purple Martin in over two weeks. I checked with Penny Miller and she commented that she had not seen one for well over a week. Panic time.
Volunteers Ann Brandt and June McKee were at the center yesterday and saw two things happen. One, June volunteered, along with her daughter Terry, to drive our three Purple Martins to Austin. The Purple Martins are still in Austin. Two, Ann stated that she thought she saw Purple Martins on the way to the center that morning. I asked her to check on her way home and to call me. She called me and told me about a house on Hwy 287 that has numerous Purple Martin houses and she felt pretty sure that she saw them flying overhead.
I loaded up our three and drove to the location. Sure enough, there were three on perches above the martin houses and a few more circling overhead. I pulled off onto the shoulder and released our to join the flock.
Another success story thanks to some very dedicated Wild Bird Rescue volunteers!
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