Texas
Purple Martin
Progne subis
(L 8" WS 18" Wt 2 oz)
Largest North American swallow.
So. Padre Island
Birding & Nature Ctr
15Apr2010
Twas the night before Christmas in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Martins were singing for peace and goodwill.
Their feathers all molted, they look pretty classy.
With warm winds blowing, the males getting sassy.
We dream of their coming, we can hardly wait.
The schedule is set.  What is their fate?
It won‘t be long now with the days getting longer
The flight plan is made, the flock getting stronger.
From Brazil they will fly, thru Central America they’ll go,
Arriving in North America to chase away the snow.
The towns they pass they know by name.
The flight path travelled always the same.
We know they are coming, preparations are made.
Houses are cleaned -- some need first aid.
Spring will arrive without any clatter.
Awaiting the Martins‘ melodious chatter.
The joy they spread as they fly around
Causes spirits to rise and good tidings abound.
The Martins we love are all in flight
So Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Goodnight!
 
    (Larry Hunter - Portage Lakes Purple Martin
Association)
females
Estero Llano Grande
State Park
19April2013
© BirdNote,
Bob Sundstrom
Progne in Latin means swallow;
subis in Latin means a bird that
breaks eagles eggs.
© Audubon
Society
© Wikipedia