Detective Work

I had seen them swooping back and forth across our land but with their constant motion I couldn't know for sure if they were breeding here. One afternoon I heard their familiar strident chirping and looked up to see a family unit using the nearby power lines as a rest stop. My hunt was on - did they use one of the saguaros in our yard to nest?

As the Purple Martins swooped and swirled overhead I walked quietly through the vegetation watching the parents teach the fledglings how to become masters of the air. The male settled again

 

He stared down at me with his intense jet black eyes then the female called to him and settled close by.

 
She was clearly a little upset by my presence which made me think that her nest must be close by. Of course I didn't want to unsettle her so I walked away and let her settle and quieten down. There was a group of three giant saguaros close by and my suspicion was that her nest was somewhere there. I stayed a safe distance away and sure enough when she had decided I was far enough away she returned to her family and I had my perfect photo op'.

Thank you so much Mrs Purple Martin for letting me share you secret and thank you for making me feel so lucky by choosing this spot to raise your family.

Nature Notes hosted by Michelle at Rambling Woods.