Estimate of Purple Martins Present: thousands

Description of Roost's Location: After seeing the roost location by Doplar Radar on this website I made two trips to the area in question on August 2nd and 3rd 2005. Unfortunatley I was unable to get to the exact loacation of the roost as it is surrounded by marsh and water. I travelled along a narrow dirt road to the southern most end of Walpole Island where farm fields meet marsh, (this road is a dyke). From 8:30 pm until 9:10 PM thousands of birds were flying low over our heads towards a single point. In addition to purple martins, tree swallows, red wings and possibly bank swallows were present. Although I did not see the roosting birds in one spot it was quite obvious they were flying to one location. In the distance I could hear thousands of birds squacking, and it was primarily martin vocalizations.

Public Access to Roost?: No

History of Roost: Unknown.

Description of Roost's Habitat: Walpole Island is a First Nations community. The Island is primarily agricultural surrounded by water. The marsh at the southern end of the Island consists of a labrynth of smaller Islands with reeds and cattails. Some weeping willows and poplars are scattered about. According to first hand accounts from local boaters one can easily become disoriented amongst the tall grassy reeds in this area. Both evenings the birds were flying from the north and west heading south.

Threats to/Problems with Roost: Last year the Walpole Island First Nations community began investigating some troubling issues concerning the wild life on the Island. I believe much of the concern is warranted as they are down river from Sarnia Ontario, also known as "Chemical Valley", home to many chemical plants etc.. A number of spills have occurred throughout the years and certainly every town along the river has been affected in some negative way. I believe contamination of the soil/water is the biggest threat to the roost. As it is impossible to access the roost by foot or car I would imagine people in general will not be a concern. Boaters tend to stay clear of this area for fear of becoming lost. It seems the birds have found an ideal location in many ways.

Opportunities at Roost: Because this is such an isolated area I would say no.