Estimate of Purple Martins Present: 15,000

Species Composition: All, or nearly all, appear to be purple martins.

Description of Roost's Location: A single line of 20 Bradford Pear trees along the curb of 17th street directly north of the market. This corrects some earlier information. The Farmer’s Market runs north and south between 17th and 18th streets off East Main St. The trees lie in a north south direction also, just north of the 2 block long market. For out-of- towners, use Google map, etc. and find the site about one mile SE of the State Capital building. Exit 74C from I95/I64 (the same road in the city area) is probably the best exit. There is good access for public viewing in two parking lots (one large and one small) adjacent to the trees. Both are usually empty in the evening and early morning. Street parking is also adequate. South of the market, there is pay parking 2 or 3 blocks away.

Public Access to Roost?: Yes

History of Roost: Stories abound, but it certainly seems that it has been a roost for longer than reported in earlier entries. One account has the birds following the fruit being delivered by farmers to the market in its heyday- turn of the century (several of them) as one write-up mentions 1700’s!). Makes sense, since fruit would attract the insects that purple martins eat. Unsold produce, even when disposed of, would certainly generate a feast! The market today has limited produce, but the city is trying, with mixed results, to rekindle interest in this landmark.

Description of Roost's Habitat: In three visits this summer, the roost appears to be entirely in these trees.

Roost Begins Approximately: Early-July

Roost Ends Approximately: Late-August

Threats to/Problems with Roost: This location has been the recipient of revitalization efforts by the city. Weekend nightlife in adjoining restaurants and clubs is strong, but crime has slowed really rapid development. (Definitely good for the roost!) There is no reason to believe the city would not protect this sanctuary from uncaring developers as development continues, which it will. Traffic is not a problem now, but certainly could be. Being directly adjacent to downtown and popular urban communities, efforts need to be made to protect this wonderful phenomenon of nature. I’ve not heard of any harassment or man-made harm. The only harm is predatory hawks, quite naturally. Despite earlier reports, I did not see much evidence of sidewalk messes. But I’m sure it happens. This roost appears safe for the time being.

Opportunities at Roost: Great access for bird watching. The City will hopefully expand this unique opportunity to inspire young people as environmental stewards through educational programs. Mention of its existence has been scant in my opinion, and greater promotion in tourism literature and media is needed. A Purple Mountain Festival has been held for a few years but it is not well known. See www.gonetothebirds.org for Richmond’s development of this wonderful roost.

Estimate of Purple Martins Present: 2000

Species Composition: Ninety-nine percent Purple Martins. A few European Starlings, English House Sparrows and a couple pair of Mourning Doves also roosted in the trees.

Description of Roost's Location: Richmond Farmers Market parking, 200 N 17th St, Richmond VA

Public Access to Roost?: Yes

History of Roost: Spoke to a local resident who said 'the birds' had been present in late July through early August for the ten years she lived in the area, taking a bus to work. She told of avoiding the sidewalk under the trees due to the amount of 'bird poop.' She said that the number of birds was lower than previous years (as of the date of our visit, 25 July 2009). The manager of the community garden on the other side of the parking lot said that the number of birds was double what he saw the day before. Might peak at 10,000 or more a bit later?

Description of Roost's Habitat: Trees bordering the parking lot.

Roost Begins Approximately: Late-July

Roost Ends Approximately: Mid-August

Opportunities at Roost: Very nice festival held by a local group with participation from many groups. Maybe 250 attended plus quite a few locals who dropped by for a bit to see what was going on. Perhaps the festival (see http://gonetothebirds.org/ ) should be scheduled a week later? Hope local folks will report if the numbers of Purple Martins kept going up after our visit.

Estimate of Purple Martins Present: 10,000

Description of Roost's Location: Downtown Richmond Farmers Market parking lot. Across from storefront by the name of TecHead. Link to map; http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=17th+and+Grace+street,+richmond,+va&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.28862,59.238281&ie=UTF8&ll=37.536019,-77.426877&spn=0.00764,0.014462&z=16&om=1

Public Access to Roost?: Yes

Description of Roost's Habitat: All birds perching in Trees (plum trees lining parking lot.) Bird droppings on the concrete beneath the trees indicates you are in the right spot. Today, visited at 7:15 pm, noticed roughly 300 Martins. Numbers doubled every 4-5 minutes. By 8:15, all Martins were in the roost.

Estimate of Purple Martins Present: Dont know tens of thousands

Species Composition: 100% purple martins as far as I can tell.

Description of Roost's Location: Roost is between Franklin and Grace Streets on 17th St in eastern downtown Richmond, VA.

Going south on I-95 enter city of Richmond. Exit onto franklin St. (Exit #74B). Turn left and go to 15th street, turn right, go to Main street turn left, go two blocks turn left onto 17th street. Roost is in second block between Franklin and Grace streets on left in row of Bradford Pear Trees.

Going north on I-95, enter city of Richmond, VA., cross James River and take Broad St. (Exit 74C). Bear right follow sign saying Braod Street & 33 East. This will put you on 17th St. headed south. Go two blocks cross Broad Street. Go one block and you are there; roost trees will be strait in front of you.

Be alert and look for one way streets. 17th is one way going north from Main st. for two blocks then is one way going south from Broad st.

Public Access to Roost?: Yes

History of Roost: I don't know much about it as of August 26th 2006. The PMCA identified the roost during the 2004 season with Doppler Radar. I will talk to people in some of the nearby businesses about this subject and try to post it later.

Description of Roost's Habitat: Roost is in a row of about 12 Bradford Pear Trees. The birds are primarily roosting in two or three trees in the middle of the row.

Roost Begins Approximately: Early-July

Roost Ends Approximately: Mid-September

Threats to/Problems with Roost: This roost is in a commercial area where there is a farmers market, restraunts, shops and a lot of wholesale businesses. The biggest danger would stem from the tremendous amount of droppings which are depoisted on people, sidewalks and cars. From what I've heard so far, there have been a few complaint's but nothing major that I know of so far. Over time, I will gather more information on this subject.

Opportunities at Roost: Fantastic bird watching!