A cloud of chirping Purple Martins formed and circled over the house yesterday evening. This was something like the well-known dawn chorus but it was definitely an evening affair. There were flying young as well as adults and this had the character of a social event in which most of the members of the colony participated. At least two crows and some Barn Swallows joined in but it was primarily a Martin affair, perhaps as a prelude to the start of migration. After about 20" or so it moved out over the marsh where it continued for another 10" or 15".
The nearer (and more recent) Osprey nest on Pine Neck had three birds on it this morning and a fourth hanging out nearby. One of the birds -- probably one of the adults -- was perched on the edge of the nest while the other two were exercising their wings and even beginning to helicopter above the nest. In a recent post, I said that this nest had only one young but there are obviously at least two young birds just about ready to fly.
Lactarius volemus -- the Tawny Milkcap -- had a substantial fruiting last night and I collected a good number this morning. We ate the first batch last night and they'll be on the dinner menu again tonight.
Eric Salzman
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