What perfect synchronicity--that this morning I drew the "Purple Martin" card, randomly, from Maria Popova's Almanac of Birds, and then open my laptop to your own witness of these "human-saving" birds. Together, your vibrant definition of Peace, and hers of Hope's tenacious imagining, bring me courage for this day.
Hi Emily, this is a curious synchronicity. I love the idea of being in tune with Maria Popova When I read your comment to Mercy she gave me a quizzical look. I walked into the kitchen for a moment and when I returned, she was standing there with a little blue box in her hand. She handed it to me and there I was looking at Maria’s divinations for birds. She planned on giving it to me as a birthday gift, but was worried that I would now buy it on my own. So, there you go, the universe at work.
Your words and pictures are so…gentle. Not the best description, but the one that reflects how I feel when I read your posts and marvel at the photos of the winged miracles you share. I curious
It was a great honor this past year to be part of the Purple Martin team -- looking forward to it this year -- always great to connect and unravel the mysteries that are awaiting us.
bill…thanks for your note. i also came across what looks like a really good book by iowa farmer paul johnson titled “we can do better”…kinda pricey though. cheers!
I loved being a Purple Martin steward this past year -- my first year. It was great to share the experience with others -- the anticipation of nests being built, eggs appearing one by one, chicks hatching, mama birds on the nest... Lovely to watch. The joy of presence and witnessing this little slice of life -- both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. As always, thank you Bill for your reflections and shining light on these miracles of our natural world.
Hmmm this gives me an idea for a park program in April. I have no idea when they actually return to Hannibal. I know we have purple Martin houses by the river. I hope they get cleaned out annually. Know anyone around Hannibal, MO who’s monitoring purple martins?
Hi Gail, I’m glad to hear you have purple Martin houses in your town. They returned to your area in April. I would check with a local Audubon Society or the parks department in your town to learn more about who’s monitoring the Martin houses that you have. In some locations, the Martin’s do well with minimal human intervention. In others, house, sparrows take over the boxes and people people need to remove their nests to make space for the Martins.
So true! When there is a bird spectacle (I'm thinking migration, or locally when the cranes and geese return to our wetlands for winter) people who aren't hard core birders get drawn in. Seeing the rapt faces and talking to folks about what these birds do is always a joy.
And good on you for the plug for Bird Alliances (Audubon chapters who feel the reference to Mr Audubon is demeaning to the folks he harmed). Proud to be Conservation Chair for Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico!
There's a Purple Martin nest setup at Batsto Village in the NJ Pine Barrens. I've meant to go and watch. I'm not sure if they winter there. I'll have to take a look.
What perfect synchronicity--that this morning I drew the "Purple Martin" card, randomly, from Maria Popova's Almanac of Birds, and then open my laptop to your own witness of these "human-saving" birds. Together, your vibrant definition of Peace, and hers of Hope's tenacious imagining, bring me courage for this day.
Thank you, Bill!
Hi Emily, this is a curious synchronicity. I love the idea of being in tune with Maria Popova When I read your comment to Mercy she gave me a quizzical look. I walked into the kitchen for a moment and when I returned, she was standing there with a little blue box in her hand. She handed it to me and there I was looking at Maria’s divinations for birds. She planned on giving it to me as a birthday gift, but was worried that I would now buy it on my own. So, there you go, the universe at work.
“They are asking you to let the artificial world go dark so you can see what is actually radiant.“
😍
Accidentally sent an incomplete comment, so apologies to all lol. Im curious as to where you live…not trying to discover any personal info!!!
I live in Normal Illinois. We are 2 1/2 hours south of Chicago.
Ah! I knew based on your birds that you weren’t in the south somewhere like I am…the ‘burbs of Atlanta!
Your words and pictures are so…gentle. Not the best description, but the one that reflects how I feel when I read your posts and marvel at the photos of the winged miracles you share. I curious
It was a great honor this past year to be part of the Purple Martin team -- looking forward to it this year -- always great to connect and unravel the mysteries that are awaiting us.
I like to read your articles. Always something to learn about birds and life.
That's beautiful, over here it would be the Swifts that inspire in that way.
Can I just say I LOVE reading your articles? Thank you.
Remembering the big houses we had around as kids, and how busy they were. A cause worth helping.
bill…thanks for your note. i also came across what looks like a really good book by iowa farmer paul johnson titled “we can do better”…kinda pricey though. cheers!
gregg
I loved being a Purple Martin steward this past year -- my first year. It was great to share the experience with others -- the anticipation of nests being built, eggs appearing one by one, chicks hatching, mama birds on the nest... Lovely to watch. The joy of presence and witnessing this little slice of life -- both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. As always, thank you Bill for your reflections and shining light on these miracles of our natural world.
Hmmm this gives me an idea for a park program in April. I have no idea when they actually return to Hannibal. I know we have purple Martin houses by the river. I hope they get cleaned out annually. Know anyone around Hannibal, MO who’s monitoring purple martins?
Hi Gail, I’m glad to hear you have purple Martin houses in your town. They returned to your area in April. I would check with a local Audubon Society or the parks department in your town to learn more about who’s monitoring the Martin houses that you have. In some locations, the Martin’s do well with minimal human intervention. In others, house, sparrows take over the boxes and people people need to remove their nests to make space for the Martins.
Unplug... dark sparks glow...
“darkness is where the stars live.”
Where light shines brightest.
Love Love Love
So true! When there is a bird spectacle (I'm thinking migration, or locally when the cranes and geese return to our wetlands for winter) people who aren't hard core birders get drawn in. Seeing the rapt faces and talking to folks about what these birds do is always a joy.
And good on you for the plug for Bird Alliances (Audubon chapters who feel the reference to Mr Audubon is demeaning to the folks he harmed). Proud to be Conservation Chair for Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico!
There's a Purple Martin nest setup at Batsto Village in the NJ Pine Barrens. I've meant to go and watch. I'm not sure if they winter there. I'll have to take a look.