After the Storm

Tonight was a welcome relief from both the heat of the recent days and the lack of moisture we've had around here for a while. Mark Newstrom and I spent yesterday banding young Purple Martins out near both Young America and Chaska, Minnesota. For the last 3 years Mark and I have been marking two colonies maintained by Orlen and Bob Schneeland. Orlen and Bob are father and son and have a real passion for Purple Martins. We were a bit late in our banding this year but in spite of that and the heat we still banded 105 young birds. This is a bit lower than normal but was quite the job nonetheless. So, if you're lucky enough to see a Purple martin on the west side of the metro area, check the legs for a silver band, it's most likley one of ours!