Medical Center Installs Window Screen to Reduce Martin Deaths

On Friday, June 21st, Nebraska Medicine had window screens installed on the glass of a skywalk at the Midtown Martin Mecca.

The unique screening was placed on the west side of the skywalk between Kiewit Hall and the Doctor's Building south.

"It is a unique privilege to have these beautiful birds stop here on their migratory journey," said Taylor Wilson, senior media relations coordinator for Nebraska Medicine. "Although we have no role in them choosing to pay us a yearly visit, we want to be as respectful of their presence as possible and to do everything we can to protect them from harm while they are here. If this covering is effective in reducing the number of strikes, we will obviously look closely at doing the same thing" at the skywalk between Kiewit Hall and Clarkson Hospital.

"Obviously, caring for our patients is our number one priority, but we really do want to make things as safe as possible for these birds," Wilson said.

Staff of Nebraska Medicine regularly monitor the skywalk. Wilson and others, "pass through the area quite frequently during the day to make sure we don¹t have any disabled birds," he said.

The window screening was installed by Mike and Nick of Renze Display. They mentioned that it is probably their first installation done in order to protect migratory birds.

The screen put in place was a custom design, digitally printed on a clear window film. "We can print "any design using the digital print process," they said.

While at the work-site, several people walking past made positive comments about the screening, with some saying it looks much better than the banners, which had been in place. One comment overheard was "that's nice" by a woman as she walked past. There was some ancillary words heard that conveyed an appreciation for doing something to help bring an end to birds striking the glass.

If properly cared for, this type of screening should last more than five years, the screen installers said.

Pictures taken during a mid-day visit to the skywalk on Friday.

Evening Visitors to the Roost

On Friday evening there were about 90 people present to watch the approximate 35,000 martins at the roost. On Thursday, there were about 75 people looking to the sky as they appreciated the spectacle of the Purple Martins.

Saturday Evening Appreciation of Roosting Martins

Any evening that a tasty cookie can be enjoyed while watching a bird spectacle, it is a good time. That was the case on Saturday evening, August 15th at the midtown martin roost.

There was a congregation of about 25,000 Purple Martins and a wonderful human crowd as well. It was a mix of bird watching amidst a community, with wonderful conversation.

People present included Loren and Babs, Justin, Bob and Tad, Nancy with her notebook and of course, Tisha with the cookies. There were members and leaders of the Omaha Youth Birding Group also present.

Also about was an animal that snagged the dead grackle and then moved along to eat the dead bird, which is the basics of the cycle of life. It moved so fast into the bushes to the east that no picture could be taken. Perhaps it was hungry.

There was also a pair of Peregrine Falcons seen on the scene. These are some sort of pictures, as taken during the time at the Nebraska Medical Center campus. It was certainly a grand evening, in many ways!

Not sure what the birds thought. So many Purple Martins which are the star attraction. Multitudes as well of starlings and grackles that also know this important bird place.

Yet there was death at the scene. These two images convey the reality which the Nebraska Medical Center is ignoring.

A smashed grackle beneath the walkway at the Nebraska Medical Center, midtown. August 15, 2015.

Smashed Purple Martin beneath the walkway at the Nebraska Medical Center, midtown. August 15, 2015.

The Nebraska Medical Center needs to take responsibility for the deaths of birds at their facilities. There is one word which is appropriate ... mitigation. If birds die, do something positive in response. They should purchase a martin house and have it placed at a place where adults can successfully raise young.

Urban Skunk Eats Dead Martins at Midtown Roost

It was a complete surprise to see a vividly marked Striped Skunk hurry across 44th Street just south of Farnam Street as dusk was happening on Friday evening, July 7th. It was obviously in a hurry because to do otherwise, it would nothing more than a splotch on the street, after getting run over by some vehicle, perhaps some Omaha emergency responder rig with all of their lights and colorful paint.

The critter knew that beneath the trees of the roost, there might be something edible. Anything edible is a meal as the species is an "opportunistic omnivore and eats both plant and animal foods."

On Friday, there were at least three tasty carcasses to gnaw on.

This is the progression as experienced on a saucy Friday evening. While watching the gathering starlings, grackles and martins, the skunk was drastically apparent in black-and-white as it ran west to east across 44th Street. Its route could be easily seen as it moved about looking for an evening meal beneath the trees of the birds roosts. Birds always die and gravity dictates that there might be a carcass for a meal on the grounds beneath the limbs.

The skulking skunk in its distinct manner, needed to be given some special attention. Not only for its beautiful coloration but for its unique occurrence. Wandering in my own way to its space among the landscaping or habitat if that word is more preferential, at least one picture was suitable for presentation.

During my foray, moving along, beneath the skywalk between the Clarkson Tower and Kiewit Tower (or hall, whatever it is as the vicinity signs do not convey the same thing), there were three Purple Martin carcasses. The fine for dead Purple Martins is $500 each, payable to a conservation group working to conserve the species. Within 15 days, the Nebraska Medical Center will be late in their payment, so a late fee of 10% every 15 days also may need to be assessed so they realize that they are responsible to what they have wrought.

The carcasses were forlorn, lying in the grass as dead bits of what was once lovely featheration. The fatalities were not known until my arrival, but henceforth are will not be forgotten. Pictures were taken for documentary purposes.

Who makes the decisions on creating structures where birds die, again and again? Most architects are oblivious and only interested in facades for their glory, rather than creating an environmentally safe building. What is the responsibility for those whose task is to conserve wild birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act? Apparently some government officials think it is just easier to do nothing. Consider especially the the Federal Worthless Service and the state agency responsible for nongame bird management. These are ponderings of the day.

More importantly, the skunk was walking about in the shadows of the evening, near the building of an uncertain name.

At bit further in the short distances associate with urban place, nothing was done where these birds died. There were a couple on the skywalk a a few steps to the north.

Rather than have the carcasses be dealt with as trash by medical center employees, they were each carefully picked up, by their feet, considered as a fatality due to thoughtless building design, and taken away to a nearby place. That skunk was still looking for food and it received something to eat, very easily, rather than having to search. Within a minute or two after sharing the dead purple martins by tossing them near the place where the skunk sulked as it made its own way trying to be safe, the result was obvious.

In the cycle of nature, the skunk grabbed a carcass and had a days' hearty meal perhaps, something to help it carry on. It would hopefully find the other two birds to feed on, just afterwards, as they were closely nearby.

It might be an utter travesty to post this account, because once the "rulers of landscape" at the Nebraska Medical Center they have resident skunks, they will descend with all of their might with a purpose to eradicate. The animals just wants to survive. Many other people want to destroy, and they will certainly convey that anything done is in the interest of safety.

It is simply sad! Skunks and other urban critters struggles to live. Officials with big houses, large cars and hefty paychecks work to lessen the values of urban nature in Omaha through their intent to eradicate.

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There were two skunks individually seen on Saturday night on the 8th, searching for suitable food. As noticed, a rabbit dead on the lawn on the west side of 44th Street, was moved to the east side and amidst some bushes, so the two black-and-white skunks could have something to eat as they strive to survive. Tom and Tammy enjoyed see the animals, too, as we discussed the situation.

The probable prognosis: any animals of black-and-white will likely be eradicated!

Hospital workers saw the mammals, pointing and gesticulating as they were smoking on a campus where smoking is not allowed.

My time was spent enjoying the company of Tom and Tammy, two dedicated martin watchers and the only ones to ever bring a tasty, fresh pie to share in the first years of the roost.

The two skunks were given a dead rabbit for their evening's feast. It was across the street in an exposed place, so moved elsewhere so they could get something to eat without any obvious disturbance. The rabbit was dead anyway, so it was just another example of continuing the cycle of life through sharing.

Hopefully the skunks were satisfied with the meal and felt some comfort for at least this night of theirs.

Medical Center Places Banners on Roost Skywalk

With the number of Purple Martins increasing at their midtown roost, a visit was made to the facilities management office of the Nebraska Medical Center to ask about placing the banners on the skywalk.

A request was left with the staff in the office on Monday morning. The banners were not there Monday evening but were in place on Tuesday morning. The attention to this matter is personally appreciated and will hopefully help birds avoid any collisions with the glass of the skywalk.

Number are increasing at the roost, and any evening now is a good time to visit and enjoy the free spectacle of the birds as they gather and swarm and swoop into the roost trees.

Martin sky at the roost on August 3rd. All of the little black specks are Purple Martins.

Few people have been seen appreciating these birds this year.

Peregrine Falcon Visits Midtown Bird Roost

A Peregrine Falcon on the prowl visited the bird roost at the Nebraska Medical Center on the evening of July 28th. It swooped around for a time, causing the gathering birds to get perturbed, and then swooped up to land on a medical center building sign and sat there for a good long while, keeping a close look around.

During this time of the evening, many European Starling had already landed in the trees at the midtown Omaha roost. Numerous Common Grackles had already done the same. Most of the expected Purple Martins were still airborne, as several hundred would soon to settle in for the night, as they have done each season for the past few years.

There was only a single person enjoying the spectacle of the congregating birds, especially the martins as they gather about, calling in their musical chords and enjoying their time in the sky before alighting into the roost trees.

The species recognized to be present in this vicinity these days are:

• American Robin
  
• Peregrine Falcon
  
• Western Kingbird
  
• Rock Pigeon
  
• House Sparrow
  
• European Starling
  
• Common Grackle
  
• House Finch
  
• American Crow
  
• Mourning Dove
  
• Barn Swallow
  
• Chimney Swift, more especially up towards the Blackstone District and eastward of 40th and Farnam Streets
  

There is also the Common Nighthawk, Downy Woodpecker and Northern Cardinal occurring in the vicinity, again in the Blackstone District.

One thing predominantly missing at the midtown martin roost were the banners on the walkway. The Nebraska Medical Center has been remiss in getting these up in a timely fashion, as bird strikes resulting in the death and injury to birds has been repeatedly documented. The banners should already be in place. The following picture is indicative and also shows how the window decals are also looking decrepit.

Update

On a humid Saturday evening, there were thousands of martins seen in the skyscape above the medical center campus, as they flew before roosting among the precious few trees. The Peregrine Falcon was perched upon its roost of an artificial construct on the west side of a big building, as previously seen.

Among the important features for this Saturday night, was a family of watchers. A couple and their son were enjoying the multitude of martins. Father and son eventually walked beneath the roost trees because they cared to experience an understanding of being among the multitude of birds amidst the the trees so appreciated.

They knew about the roost and came to see the birds.

How wonderful that there is some appreciation for the gathering of these birds!

Purple Martins Return to Roost at Hospital

Nancy Gaarder. July 5, 2012. Purple martins return to roost at hospital. Omaha World-Herald 148(235): 2B. Briefly. The Metro Area. Online headline: Purple martins return to Nebraska Medical Center.

"Purple martins have begun roosting again at the Nebraska Medical Center.

"Omaha birder Jim Ducey said about 1,000 have begun flocking to the summer roosting, the trees at 44th and Farnam Streets, which is the Medical Center's emergency entrance.

"As July wears on, the number is likely to swell into the tens of thousands. Ducey said he expects 50,000 to 60,000 martins to be roosting at the Medical Center by early August.

"The summer roost has become popular for spectators because the acrobatic flocks swarm and swoosh in military precision to the delight of old and young alike.

"The best time to see the martins is about 8:30 p.m., he said. Spectators should be careful not to get in the way of emergency vehicles.

"Martins roost together after they've reared their young and before they head south for the winter."

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The roost is near, not at, the medical center emergency entrance.

This is a view of martins on the powerlines west of the roost in the evening. June 30, 2013.

Purple Martins Gathering at Midtown Omaha Roost

Purple martins are active at their seasonal roost at the Nebraska Medical Center campus at midtown Omaha. There were several hundred present on the the evening of June 24th. The martins present are the vanguard for the multitude that will occur in the coming weeks. Any day now is a good time for a visit to enjoy the spectacle of the birds as they gather in the aerosphere, and then swoop into the trees which are their roost for the night. There are also a bunch of common grackles and European starlings gathered at the place.

Increasing Martin Numbers at Midtown Omaha

There is a regularly increasing number of Purple Martins are their midtown Omaha roost. The evening of July 7th, there were an estimated 5000. The birds were gathering earlier on the utility lines up near 40th Street to gather, chatter and preen.

No one else was present to appreciate the spectacle of the incoming martins. It was a grand scene, as usual.

No visual barriers have been placed on the walkway windows by facilities personnel of the Nebraska Medical Center. The itty-bitty few decals leftover from last year are not sufficient.

Purple Martins Return to Midtown Roost

Purple Martins have returned to their roost at the Nebraska Medical Center campus in midtown Omaha.

There were about 130 martins of different ages present the evening of June 12th. A few flying birds were noted first, and they were then seen gathered on the wires up near 40th Street. About dusk, they were flying in their wonderfully aerobatic way before alighting for the night in the trees along 44th Street, near Farnam Street.








The splendor of this yearly gathering will be appreciated and enjoyed by many local bird watchers. Last year, the martins were first noted at the roost on June 6th.

The banners on the skywalk windows have not yet been put in place by medical center officials.

An announcement of the return of the martins was given June 15th, in Nancy's Almanac on the Omaha World-Herald webpage.

New Martin House an Immediate Attraction

Within two minutes, Purple Martins used their new house that had just been erected at Levi Carter Park on Saturday April 21st, during the Earth Day weekend.

Bing Behrens of the Wild Bird Habitat Store, and myself as a tepid assistant, installed the house north of the caretaker's residence at Levi Carter Park. A fisherman stopped by to inquire about the new structure, mentioning he was glad to see this sort of thing being done in the park.

Bing pulled the rope to raise the "mini-castle" to its peak in the sky, thus establishing a new martin house at mid-day.

In the following moments, filled with sublime excitement for the birds and two watchers, martins flew nearby to take a closer look, with others immediately following to get their own view. The first pioneer sat on a perch to get a good look at the new digs.

The same birds had been "complaining" about the temporary disturbance of the neighborhood during the installation. They were always vocal, whether in flight about the scene, or sitting outside their apartment rather than sitting in their residence.

The perspective of the martins was immediately changed.

Further watching indicated the martins were obviously appreciative of the East House. Shortly, females were attracted to what was nearly recognized as a suitable place to nest. Within a few more moments, some magnificent martins were sitting on the house-top roost, landing upon a roost outside each apartment to peer within, wondering if they should perhaps move.

A few feet away at the West House, there was uncertainty. Mother martins to be had been working hard to get their nest ready by bringing in nest material. Did they want to stay, or should they move to the new place?

The behavior of the birds was readily apparent. Ignoring any anthropomorphic fallacies, there may have even been a "husband" trying to stay put while his mate kept looking to the east. Was his preening displacement behavior?

The East House certainly had unsurpassed features. Each apartment offered more room with space between each place, and had an elevated floor for cleanliness. There was an individual perch out front for the couple's use and eventually for their brood. A common-space roost was available above the rooftop. The residence was a completely new, not a cleaned out space used by many other previous tenants.

The West House has been present for an unknown number of years. The mid-day bird drama at Levi Carter Park, was because the martins didn't get a message about a new construct.

Many others did, since this effort was successful only because of effort and focused intent.

The Audubon Society of Omaha board quickly approved purchase of the house, within a day's time.

The Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property provided a letter of approval on Friday morning. The department is "pleased to support the efforts to enhance the habitat of" purple martins in a park, according to a letter from Patrice Slavin, issued on April 20. Randy Garlip, park caretaker, was helpful in noting that he had cleaned the West House, and also helped indicate a good spot for the Eat House, out of the way of his mowing duties.

A multi-call process to the Diggers Hotline worked -- due to expressing an emergency on Friday afternoon -- to get a clearance approval, as required by Nebraska legal statutes, to break the surface of the ground. Approval is required even to plant a flower or tree, till a garden, stick a flag into the ground, break the ground surface which the kick of a heel, etc.

Focused discussions with Omaha Parks officials brought this topic into an awareness of complete amazement. The "drama-queen" at the hotline office certainly conveyed how communication to a city might end if the proper procedure was not followed. Such things happened "every day" according to her perspective. To ensure satisfaction across the board, the "registration" call was made about mid-afternoon on a Friday. Several call-back responses were received by 5 p.m., with the last one of the day associated with an onsite inspection by a utility inspection firm. A last reply was received just after 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Hours later, the installation was underway.

This martin house was needed due to an obvious bird activity first observed on Wednesday, April 18 when there were more martins than what the house could suitably provide. The birds were limited as vividly expressed in their behavior, and apparent in a single photograph where a female bird was looking for a place while sitting on the rooftop. She was not able to personally inspect the housing cube.

On Saturday morning, one female was attacked and held down by a male being protective an adjacent apartment. Two males were seen and heard tussling over one particular apartment, until one fleed, after some moments of anxiety, obvious in its open-beak behavior, as it looked back at its tormentor.

The new martin castle was up and ready for residency on mid-day Saturday. The endeavor was successful because of a common interest. Everyone involved deserves credit for their interest in helping to benefit Purple Martins, an iconic bird in the river city.

It was certainly a fine time for martins at Carter Lake! We can enjoy the results at the Martin Mecca Midtown later in the season.

Watching Magnificent Martins and Spectacular Swifts

Submitted to the newsletter of the Audubon Society of Omaha, with additional material added to the online edition.

By June 5, 2011, Purple Martins had arrived at their midtown roost, with an early number of 100 present the following day. Numbers in the hundreds were reached by June 23rd, with more than 1000 by mid-July. Numbers increased day-by-day and there were about 6500 on July 21st.

By this time, Nebraska Medical Center personnel had placed banners on the cross-walk windows to create a visual barrier and reduce the likelihood of a martin hitting the glass.

The watching season at the martin mecca midtown was notably subdued this season. There were consistently fewer watchers of the magnificent flight behavior as the birds came in each night to their normal roosting site.

An early peak was August 13th, when an estimated 45,000 were present. There were fewer birds for a few days, but then a multitude occurred once again. As numbers increased so did the delight of observers.

Figure showing a 15-mile diameter around the Martin Mecca Midtown. Sites within this radius known to be used during the day by martins include the lake near Bennington, Horseshoe Lake Flats, Florence Waterworks, Carter Lake and Offutt Base Lake.

The peak count of the season, ably made with the assistance of Justin Rink - the Purple Martin Ambassador - was 65,000 in early September. A brief article in the local newspaper brought out more enthusiasts, with at least 262 watchers on the 4th. Numbers decreased quickly though, with only 6000 on the 7th. The last few birds were seen on the 12th, ending another season. This was within a day of the last martins noted in 2009.

The Nebraska Medical Center deserves recognition for timely placement of banners, and then adding others - when requested - within the north walkway as birds were watched bouncing off that glass.

A significant difference this year was a shift of the last martins to using a couple of trees in a green space along Capitol Avenue, about a block west of 42nd street.

Swift Chimneys

The next grand spectacle to enjoy during the autumn season is the gathering of chimney swifts at prominent chimneys of various buildings in eastern Omaha. Fine numbers will continue to gather through mid-October.

On the evening of September 10th, a chimney near 44th and Izard Street was used by an estimated 925 chimney swifts. This same evening, nearly 400 Common Nighthawks were observed flying southward and generally about the same vicinity; one of the highest number of this species to have ever been noted in the region.

Early on the morning of the 11th, perfect timing allowed a count of 1025 bug-eaters leaving the big chimney at Duchesne Academy, along north 38th Street, in the Cathedral neighborhood.

That evening a most spectacular sight was the twittering gathering at the many-sided chimney of the church at 36th and Farnam Street. The birds kept coming but eventually - within minutes - all disappeared into the brick structure. There were an estimated 1400, based on counts of groups entering the roost. The same event was enjoyed two night later.

The best chimney in the Omaha area for watching the roosting activity of Chimney Swifts.

Swift action can be enjoyed in many places about Omaha. Numbers vary, but can be readily seen in downtown Omaha, especially the south side of the Old Market, South Omaha, the Blackstone area, Benson, in Dundee near 50th and Dodge and scattered elsewhere. Particular chimneys are often used again-and-again.

Swift watching is as easy as watching martins, and with a little planning, can be enjoyed from the comfort of a car. It can be a uniquely different birding outing.

Really Amazing Martin Roosting Evening

It was a "really amazing" evening of viewing the Purple Martins as they made their way into the midtown Omaha Roost.

A human couple had arrived early on the scene, and were walking around looking for the birds. They asked a roost expert that had then recently arrived, and soon understood they just needed to wait awhile.

None of the dozen watchers were disappointed as more than 50,000 martins flew about above in large groups, dense in color against the sky. Conditions were calm and comfortable so the birds stayed aloft, mostly to the west of the roost trees. Perhaps they like the setting as the cement expanses below would heat more during the day and continue to create thermal activity longer than a natural surface. This would make it easier for the martins to soar without effort.

The display continued for a fine time as the martins - masters of flock flight - took their time whooshing into the roost. Then after some would arrive, they would swirl around just a few feet above the head of the focused watchers.

This spectacle was enjoyed by all, especially the couple, who expect to return and bring their grandkids.

Emergency Vehicle Noise

During the evening - after birds had landed and while many were flying around - an Omaha Fire and Rescue Department ambulance (No. 3) was departing from the nearby emergency room, heading north. The vehicle's driver came near a group of watchers on the sidewalk and then blew the blatantly loud ambulance air horn three times for some unknown reason. There was absolutely no apparent reason for doing this.

The noise obviously disturbed the martins. Some appeared to leave the trees and others diverted their flight path, and the birds appeared to mill about in reaction. There were watchers which were obviously perturbed about the unneeded "blowing" by the vehicle by some "twit" of a driver that seemed to want to specifically cause a disturbance. Perhaps they thought it would be "funny?"

A short time later a stunned martin was found beneath the south end of the elevated walkway between Kiewit and Clarkson towers.

It was a grand evening with the birds flying about in all their grandeur, especially on this August 26th, Friday evening.

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The number of martins remained consistent through the weekend. Saturday had its injured birds, but they recovered and were again airborne. There were good numbers of watchers, with 17 on Saturday and 14 on Sunday evening.

This video was shot in hd and look pathetic here, but does give some indication of the number of martins present.

Colorful Phantasm of Martins Midtown

An evening's interlude once again led to the medical center campus midtown. Approaching from Carthage and then Dundee, the prime light of a setting sun lit the buildings in a palette of expression sufficient to capture an observant's imagination. The coloration was sublime, requiring stops along the way to absorb the varied hues.

On the scene of the regular martinfest this season, the first subjects of focus were notably just to the north above the trees. More bugs there because of the arboreal foliage.

The first Purple Martin was at the roost site by 330 South at 7:45 p.m. Others then arrived at their suitable time, languid in flight among the unseen currents of the sky space.

Additional bits of birdlife were present during the prelude to the grand spectacle.

Cedar Waxwings went one direction then another, and back again. A flock of four turned three towards the great north. There then went south anyway after a brief time.

Gradually the birds concentration above the hard streets of urban Omaha. Big-sized martins close by. Little martins high in the sky. A dragonfly drone nearby were all parts of the place.

Martins soar in such a casual manner. Adults and season's young traverse hither and yonder over there as their congregation gathers on a Friday eve of no special significance - except for the martins which know what is important for them, as expressed year after year.

Each bird has their own part of space. With a dip or a dash, or with a quick flash of flight, they pass wing-to-wing.

There was an Eastern Kingbird atop the tree near a hard-concrete vantage point. How unexpected. It may have thought the same as it was gone within a minute or two.

Martins continued to gather. And get together in a spectacle of their own concern and importance.

There were a few watchers, the first noted this season. One man north of Farnam was bedecked in outdoorsman garb, including a broad hat for protection from nonexistent sunlight. An obviously comfortable group of three had lawn chairs and other accouterments on the lawn.

With the descent of dusk, birds overwhelmed the scene on the street, once again at this place.

Noisy bunches of starlings arrived. In came the more boisterous grackles. These were lesser birds in more ways than one.

A pungence from birdly droppings was obvious in the moist air of the evening.

Doves dashed around. Swifts twittered above.

A miasma of tendrils can be imagined in a phantasmagoria manner in the sky from the flight patterns of 35,000 individual martins gathered in an unsurpassed spectacle. Their flight displays are appreciated only by observation. An observer could scribe an account which might be expressive, but would still not be sufficient for the actual experience of time and place sensations created by the birds.

The actual view can be so easily enjoyed, and so comfortably, so experience is the best way to experience the event..

A party of three arrived late, missing much of the event, but the "main man" was expressive - as overheard - in expressing views based upon some sort of bias, as some bird people are prone to do.

This Friday evening started - based upon known intent - in silence. It ended with distinct sounds of exquisite chatter by the gathered throng of martins.

The finale of the 12th was done by 8:45 p.m. so its important to not be late to get the best look, especially when the light is right and the moon would be so bright.

Mid-morning gathering of martins on a powerline at the Florence Waterworks. August 13, 2011.

Saturday Evening Sequel

Phenomenal views not experienced in four years of watching occurred. The martin vortex came in low and thousands of them swirled just feet above the eleven viewers present.

It was one of the best evenings ever for watching the spectacle.

A mature couple "dressed to kill" for earlier evening events, got recognition for being the best dressed. They have a martin office at their residence in Pacific Heights, and came down to see where their martins had gone. They had visited last season as well.

One juvenile martin struck the glass of the walkway, but was only temporarily stunned and flew away when approached after most of the other martins were at their night's roost.

Midtown Martins and Dangerous Dundee Mishap

It was a swell evening Thursday on June 23. Sky was blue with a few scattered clouds to the south. Winds were calm and it was cool.

Purple Martins were about and it was time to once again check activity at their well known roost.

Wheeling along on two wheels, upon arrival at 44th Street, the setting was just right to view the roost trees lit by sublime evening light, with the buildings shining in the background. There were, however, no birds of interest yet about.

Bicycling further east, time was taken to watch the Chimney Swifts about 40th and Farnam streets. The usual fine bunch was about, including a couple of small groups which had fledglings refining their aerial skills. The bird sort of twittering was all about.

With time available a brief stop was made at the local establishment for a single cool drink with my favorite lemonade mix.

Then onward to the roost site observation location which was being used by three medical center workers on a smoke break. They sat on the steps and babbled on. The fem was the focus of two men's attention. She was fully loaded. There was a pack of cigarettes topped with a lighter, a cell phone, a music player, a bug repeller and a can of soda all carefully laid out in a row on either side. They finally left and the birds, thankfully, became the obvious feature.

About 8:30 p.m. there were 15 or so martins above. On terra firma nearby, several cutesy little bunnies were on the turf, though close to cover. Their parents foray's were a bit further. They were an additional appreciation.

Common Grackles fly around. Some starling were obvious. A few other species were present.

Most noticeably a Red-tailed Hawk, perched on a rooftop edge of the south doctor's building. It had earlier been seen soaring above the scene. Those little bits of rabbit were prime targets for this mighty raptor.

Martin Mecca

With the swarm of martins increasing, another detail was noticed. The measly "decorative" decals were on the glass windows of the walkway, but the banners were not hung with care. This is the danger zone for the migratory birds.

The martin mecca midtown is best appreciated with a personal experience. This particular evening, early in the season had the normal activities which have been observed in the past four years, since my sole discovery of this wonder of the Missouri River valley. Yet! Yes it was a grand spectacle. Once observed in all their glory, the activities are superb in a phantasmagorical mix of bird movement, vocalizations and other general activity by adult and juveniles birds. They are masters through the hidden breezes of the sky.

The hawk just sat there with its own intentions. Occasionally a grackle would swoop nearby to express its displeasure. Two robins were most intent in wanting the hawk gone. One sat within a few feet, trying to harass the raptor to an extent to get it to leave. Another was a few feet further away, providing backup. Near the roost site observation location, a robin was seen carrying food, which readily indicated the reason for robins in action against a predatory intruder among their community.

Once the hawk did finally decide to depart, most of the martin swarm escorted it upon its departure towards the west.

With the descent of dark, more of the munificent martins arrived. The seasonal congregation was underway, and was only being appreciated by a single man, who's presence did not matter in the least to the gathered birds.

What new expressive word should be given here is uncertain. There could be further comments on the splendor, but it was time to cycle onward.

Dangerous Dundee Mishap

Going up the hill to 49th Street there a bit if vibrancy in the pedal motion because of what had been enjoyed. Pedal. Breathe. Pedal. Pedal. Fatigue upon getting to the hilltop.

Going north, the fine night continued across Dodge Street and northward towards the expected destination.

Suddenly a car turned in front of my route. There was a vivid view of a pending collision with no means to stop or avoid the coming hit.

Oh no! Smash ...

The subsequent moments are not part of my awareness. The next cognizant realization was lying on the street, looking at the underside of a car, with the front tire a few feet away. The "wits were gathered" as lying in the street was not the place to be, so my position was moved to the curbside grass to lay back. The "hipster" drivers at least asked once about my situation, then made no further attempts at communicating. A nearby resident offered a cup of water. She had not seen the accident but had heard it.

Yikes. A car and a bike collide with her and other gawkers knowing about it because of the noise. What is it about a guy on a bicycle hitting a car which cut in front of the cyclist that is so obviously noisy?

If the car would have had its headlights on or used its turn signal - neither which was being used based upon quickly made, pre-trauma recollections - it might have been avoided.

There could be a lot to say of what happened next. It all followed an expression to call emergency services. An ambulance and fire truck arrived in minutes.

The responders then took control. Being strapped onto a back board and being asked question after question is not my version of a typical bird watching outing.

My eyes were kept closed except for a few secondary moments, until and into being situated in an emergency room. The stress level was elevated.

There could be comments on being treated as a body instead of a person at the nearby medical center. There was a lack of explanation on the flurry of activites. Their actions were apparently appropriate, but overwhelming. There was the security goon being a "big man" with a shiny "tin" badge. There is the discomfort of being left lying for many minutes on a back board while health care givers discuss my situation in the hall. Money, money, money the basic point. There could be words given about the doctoral discussions, when the two guys finally were cognizant enough to be personable and listen. There were a whole lot of words because of out looking at birds. There is the lack of police providing no information on the car drivers.

There could be more said. There were enough opinions to last a year.

As a hurting hombre, my nights destination was reached a couple of hours later, via my own two feet through the streets. Ow. Oh that hurts. Again and again until the realization most obvious: pain is an active part of life, and this was one of my times. Along the way, notably noticed were small pieces from a broken car - due to blunt force tramua from my body - on north 49th Street. The broken bike - with a dramatically twisted front tire - had already been delivered by three firemen to the front porch, rather than the back year which had been the request, repeated twice.

Conditions due to the accident continue. It is beyond malaise, but an obvious malady with an unknown result(s) pending.

There will certainly be another bicycle visit to the martin mecca? This wonder of the bird world will hopefully be enjoyed again and again in some manner or another.

Martins Return to Midtown Omaha

A few Purple Martins have already returned to their seasonal roost at Midtown Omaha.

After receiving a report from a neighborhood birder, the roost was visited on the evening of June 6th. The birds were flying about the roost site, and some perched on the wind sock structure atop the Kiewit Center. None were on the power lines as they had been seen when first noticed for the season in the past two years.

An estimated 50-75 were seen, though more birds using the roost could have arrived after my pre-sunset departure.

This occurrence is three weeks prior to the date the roost was first noted in 2010.

This is just the beginning of the annual spectacle. The number of martins will increase in the coming weeks to its peak later in the season.

There were a bunch of Chimney Swifts in the skies near 40th and Farnam Streets. The actual chimneys they were using was not noted, but the set of chimneys at the Sullivan's Bar building seem to have good potential.

Passing of Purple Martin Man - Dennis Devine

Dennis Devine, the preeminent purple martin man of the Omaha metro area, is dead. His passing on January, when he was a young 71, is a tragic event and the loss of an important ambassador for the martins, which have been his passion for decades.

Dennis was one of the three "martineers" at the midtown Omaha martin roost.

An article of his death, describes well, one of his major accomplishments.

"On April 20, 2007, Mayor Tom Hanafan read a proclamation naming Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa a Purple Martin Capital of Iowa, and in June of that same year, Nature Society News – known as the Voice of the purple martin – devoted its entire front page to Devine’s successful efforts. ... Back in 1992, Devine succeeded in making the city of Omaha Nebraska’s purple martin capital. " Council Bluffs Nonpareil

Justin G. Rink, provides these thoughts on the purple martin man.

"I first met Dennis Devine in 2008 shortly after the Midtown Martin Roost had been discovered at 44th and Farnam. He was a bright happy-go-lucky gentleman with a passion for the preservation and environmental well-being of Purple Martins in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and nationwide. He even went so far as to don the hue of his favorite swallows during his visits to the martin roost! Devine also was responsible for handing out informative literature to joyful visitors who came to witness the spectacle of the Midtown Martin Mecca, all the while telling stories about his favorite experiences with Johnny Cash.

"On Tuesday (1/10) it came as quite a shock to hear [of the death of Mr. Devine]. With his joyful demeanor, and mission to teach about these unique swallows, it appeared that Mr. Devine still had a lot to live for. Even at age 71, Mr. Devine was still very full of life. As long as Purple Martins are a part of the Missouri River Valley community, it seemed that he had a lot more information to give on his favorite birds.

"He was a great inspiration for people to put up residences for these unique swallows, and helped to make Council Bluffs and Omaha the Purple Martin capitals of Iowa and Nebraska respectively.

"He will be greatly missed by people and Purple Martins alike."

Dennis Devine - in his purple splendor - getting the attention of Justin Rink, at the martin roost on August 18, 2009. He was carrying the umbrella to avoid getting "martinized."

A fine tribute to Dennis Devine was also presented on a local television station, though the video does not seem to be available.

August Finale at Martin Mecca Midtown

The numbers of Purple Martins is waning at their midtown mecca now that the final - though still hot - days of summer are finally ending. Impressive numbers of martins still abound, but the great spectacle of the evening is a spectacle which should be appreciated, sooner rather than later.

Swarming Purple Martins at the roost in midtown Omaha; August 24, 2010.

Morning Visit an Individual Experience

View times of the past weekend, started with a morning visit on August 26th. There was just a low chatter upon arriving at the roost at 5:30 a.m., with little or no birdly action. Only occasionally did a martin fly a few feet to a different spot on a different branch of one of the green ash trees.

As the nearby electronic clock shown time was ticking closer to 6 a.m., the chatter increased until it finally was loud enough to mask the din of the relatively few vehicles moving about at this time. Shortly past 6, the first bunch of martins took flight.

In the morning, the bird's behavior is completely different than in the evening. There are no swarms in the skies similar to when the martins gather, and thus, none of the aerial acrobatics. Instead, the birds are intent on leaving the roost, and getting to their day's haven.

The flight is like a changing river of birds through the air. They head straight north along 44th street, flying beneath the upper floors of the hospital buildings, and just over the top of the parking garage on the northeast corner of the intersection at Farnam Street. If a person stretched out an arm at the right time, it would be an obstacle. Some of the birds are just a few feet distant, with others within a half-block to the west, and everyone of them winging away.

A morning show by the martins is a completely different event, and a joy as experienced in a pure manner with just one man present and experiencing the a.m. flight of these grand birds. The only other people around were trudging their way to their job on the medical center campus.

Martins streamed past, flying just above the treetops and away, for about 30 minutes, with the vast majority gone by 6:30 p.m.

Nearly all the martins were gone before the sun had even started its climb above the eastern horizon.

Evening Spectacular

In the local newspaper, also on Thursday, dedicated martin reporter Nancy Gaarder had a brief, but essential article about the martins swarming at the roost.

A relatively huge crowd of bird watchers gathered in the evening because of the announcement. In looking around, they were in the parking lot east of the Kiewit building. To the east a few gathered at the bus stop bench. On the south side of Farnam Street, the viewers were lounging - at least until the bird action got underway - on the lawn of the J.P. Lord School, with its steps the most used martin place in Omaha. Some more newly aware martin aficionados were also in this buildings parking lot. Then going eastward, a well-aware few were at the corner of Kiewit Tower. Not to be forgotten, were cars and martins fans in the purple parking lot, on the east side of the Clarkson Building South, the "official" parking lot as graciously provided by the Nebraska Medical Center.

Martin watchers on August 26, 2010.

In a manner somewhat less difficult than counting the gathered martins, there were about 150 watchers. Some of them brought lawn chairs. Others used a blanket thrown onto the grass knoll. The rest found some other suitable place to watch.

As for the martins, multiply the human crowd by about 465, and that is the number of birds whose antics were visibly enjoyed, with a whole bunch of pertinent comments effused.

With the excitement - viewed at no cost - provided by the flock of martins, the crowds continued to be impressive, and endured through the weekend.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, there were at least 165 observers. Justin Rink, the recognized martin ambassador, moved around the school lawn, ready to answer questions, inquiring if people were newbies, indicating the difference between the early arriving starling and Common Grackles in comparison to the main attraction, and indicating the martin swarms overhead off in one direction or another. Once in a while he would provide the standard quip on how the birds are counted. This answer always causes a perplexing look in response, and which can be heard only by being at the roost, at the right place.

Saturday evening (August 28th) the show was an especially grand sight. The martins obviously acted differently and gave a grand performance which was dramatically different that what had been seen on the past few evenings. It was as if they knew it was a Saturday night, and the right time to make it a special performance, suited to the weekend.

Martin watchers at the midtown martin mecca, August 28, 2010.

When the birds are most prevalent, as they are finally gathering among the ash trees, it is quite a sight to see so many people with their head pointed back and intently watching the sky above ... in complete awe and pleasure.

The response of the crowd was obvious. A highlight is that it has been a family time. There have been a fine number of kids present, with a few tykes sporting binoculars to get their focused look at the sky.

Sunday evening, there were about 150 watchers. There were also fewer martins, with at least a 20% decrease in the overall count. The number still present now - in 2009 - still surpasses the greatest number seen in 2008, so the show continues to be distinctly impressive and a wonder for anyone to enjoy.

Numbers remained about the same, with about 50 watchers present on Monday evening, before the storm.

Martin Ambassador

Another crowd - ca. 125 - gathered on Monday evening, including a particular bunch who thought the bird gathering would be a fine time for a field trip. Boy Scout troops 42 and 365 arrived in small groups, but were eventually a large part of the crowd. The martin ambassador - Justin Rink - with a bit of a nudge, went over to convey details of the birds. His shined in his ambassadorial role on the lawn along Farnam Street, as he provided accurate answers to question-after-question from the gathering of young men, used hand gestures to visibly convey flight antics of the martins, and explained other facets of natural history, with an expressive flair which added so much to the bird-watching experience for the scouts. Justin Rink, M.A. - that would be "Martin Ambassador" - should get some recognition for his continued effort to explain, evening after evening, the basics of the gathering to a crowd of diversity, present night- after-night at the midtown roost. He's answered many of the same questions, time-after-time, explaining martin essentials to people, allowing them to end their night feeling more knowledgeable about martins and birdlife in general. His effort is more than commendable and deserving of recognition.

Elsewhere on the scene, there was a couple from New York state, which took the opportunity to see the gathered martins while visiting friends in the metro area. Many others - of unknown provenance, but obviously from different neighborhoods - congregated in the usual spots.

Monday evening was muggy again, with notable winds, certainly representative of late summer time. There was less of a show by the martins, but the expressive comments could still be heard as people effused about what is actually a normal situation; but that would be for only a small cadre of dedicated observers.

August's End

As August closes its tenure this year, the spectacle of the martins remain a superlative of the season. There are so many memories for those whom have taken the time to experience this great natural wonder.

More memories will occur, and be shared as recollections by people from near and far.

As it has been said before, this event is best experienced, and truly appreciated, based upon a personal view while sitting on the grass beneath the birds of Omaha's midtown sky.

Swarming Purple Martins at the roost in midtown Omaha; September 2, 2010.

Seasonal Pinnacle of Martins at Midtown Roost

The Monday evening gathering was a completely new phenomenon as a plethora of Purple Martins made for dramatic skies at the midtown roost.

From Carthage, through Dundee and onward there were bunches of these birds in swirls and groups against the blue and gray of their aerial realm.

A fine group of about a dozen watchers were gathered at the roost observation steps. It was an especially fine bunch including the Kovandas, Padelfords, and the martin ambassador, Justin Rink.

Antics of the martins were among the finest ever seen. Words are not enough to describe the scene above and beyond ... ever changing in a dramatic mix ... and hither and yon. All of the birds derived from their provided homes during the summer.

A view of a single scene of the birds' multitude.

A first estimate of the numbers was 50,000. More watching and birdly talk ensued. Topics included local concerns and activities, including the La Platte Bottoms, potential dog run at Hanscom park, Spring Lake Park and what may happen with the pending sewer separation project, and an appreciation for the bird mecca now at the Horseshoe Lake Flats.

The final tally agreed upon by all six birders was an amazing 65,000 Purple Martins which had gathered at the roost. There was one bird strike, where an immature was stunned and unable to fly, so it was moved to a place safer than the drive below the Kiewit-Clarkson walkway.

The bird strike victim.

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There was a greater number of martins present on the evening of the 24th. Their behavior was completely unique, including a never-before-seen clinging to the side of the Clarkson tower.

Martins clinging to the south side of Clarkson Tower.

The count estimate was 70,000 birds, with about 22 observers.

Martins Gathering Noted in Early 1900s at Midtown Omaha

Photographs taken by a Nebraska naturalist indicate that Purple Martin gatherings occurred in the Omaha area more than 100 years ago.

Among the many glass negatives of the Frank H. Shoemaker Collection at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Special Collections and Archives, with the two given here showing their typical behavior of gathering on the wires. This is typical behavior for the species near their midtown Omaha roost.

Purple Martins. The fall convention; image number A113. Both images courtesy of Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries.

Purple Martins assembling for autumn migration; image number B0141 and B0142

There is no date given for any of the photographs. The locality is noted as Omaha, Douglas County.

Based upon the image numbers, it is probable that the pictures were taken circa 1901 or 1902.

Shoemaker was an Omaha resident from 1895 to 1911. He lived in the midtown area, with one regular place of occurrence at the 2900 block of Dewey Street, where there was the "bird room" at the Van Sant residence. His writings includes accounts of birds noted at Hanscom Park and forays to Childs Point.

The home shown in the photograph is very distinctive with its multiple chimneys, roof line adornments and distinctive lighting rod.

These sorts of chimneys are still present at a few historic homes in the Blackstone area of midtown, and may further indicate where the photographs were taken.

The photos indicate martins gathered in urban Omaha more than a century ago, and visually conveys the occurrence which continues so prominently in midtown, as well known for 2008-2010 at the Nebraska Medical Center campus.

Economic Valuation for Martin Roost at Midtown Omaha

The Purple Martin gathering is once again underway in all its grand glory at their roost on the campus of the Nebraska Medical Center. Each day since later June both this season and last year, a variable number of this particular bird congregates and spends the night in a few trees at the scene. This routine continues for many weeks, and since the roost was first discovered on August 23, 2008, there have been regular estimates made of the number of martins present.

Counts are not available for every evening, but from late-June in 2009, until the birds were gone in early September, there is sufficient information to derive a total of the bird use days. A bird-use day is considered to be the use of the roost site for one night by one bird. So if there are 5000 martins present, this would equal 5000 uses of the roost, or one bird use value. Where an actual count was not made, an interpolated value was imposed, based on an interpretation based upon known counts on days before and after the particular date being considered.

Economic Value of Roost for Martins

In 2009, the Purple Martins were first noted at the roost on June 29th, when there were about 600 present. They were undoubtedly present prior to this, based on their occurrence three days earlier in 2010. Therefore the first date considered is June 28th, and the final date - when five martins were present - was September 13th. This is a period of occurrence of 81 days, with survey details available for 41 of these days.

Numbers were highly variable during the entire season, but somewhat consistent when a span of a few days is considered, with the greatest count of ca. 40,000 indicating how important the roost site is during the birds' migration.

Overall, there were about 736,505 martin use days at the midtown roost.

This number of use days equates to some economic value. The dollar figure used for this evaluation is $5 per day, which is a completely arbitrary amount, but much less than what any one person would expend for a bed for a night. This figure is used to present a minimal though extensive valuation.

The number of bird-use days - for just one species when two others also occur in large numbers - multiplied by a basic, low minimum equates to a value of $3,682, 525. Doing additional math, using a greater valuation, and perhaps considering additional factors would only increase this amount.

This economic valuation does not consider any human-based economic value. If the value of the experience based upon the consistent occurrence of people at the roost site was included, there would be a much greater value associated with the martin gathering. Each and every person whom watches the martins on any particular evening, obviously considers the experience to be worth them taking the time to get to the site, and spend some time watching what is a "free show" by the birds. This valuation is at least equal to the price of going to a movie!

If there is a crowd of 75 present for an hour on a Sunday evening, as recently happened in 2010, it is very likely that a value of $10 could be attributed for each of them, or perhaps just $5 to correlate with the valuation for each bird. However, though no one spent a dime to watch the martins, the night's outing can easily get a valuation of some amount, which would add to the overall monetary importance provided by the birds.

Thus, there would be additional value added to that indicated by the bird use day calculation.

The economic value of the Nebraska Medical Center roost for birds and their watchers is at least $5 million per year.

It should be noted that the only dollars expended for this roost was in 2009, when the Nebraska Medical Center paid to have decals placed on windows of the walkway where bird strikes were occurring. This was done to address the bird mortality which was occurring, for which the Nebraska Medical Center is responsible through the taking clause of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Nothing has been expended just for the birds, and there have not been any expenditures to assist the martins, or to ensure that the roost here, or perhaps somewhere in the future will be present for the benefit of the species which eats so many bugs.

The bug-eating value of the martins is a wholly separate situation, yet which has been evaluated for its importance in the region, and is not readily appreciated.

Martins at the Roost

The figures below indicate the dates considered, the number of martins counted, or an interpolated value when an actual count was not done.

June 06/28/2009: 500; interpolation 06/29: 600 06/30: 600 July 07/01: 750 07/02: 500; interpolation 07/03: 500 07/04: 500 07/05: 500; interpolation 07/06: 500; interpolation 07/07: 500; interpolation 07/08: 500; interpolation 07/09: 500; interpolation 07/10: 500; interpolation 07/11: 500; interpolation 07/12: 600; interpolation 07/13: 600; interpolation 07/14: 700; interpolation 07/15: 700; interpolation 07/16: 800; interpolation 07/17: 800; interpolation 07/18: 900; interpolation 07/19: 900; interpolation 07/20: 1000; interpolation 07/21: 1000 07/22: 1000; interpolation 07/23: 1000; interpolation 07/24: 1500 07/25: 2000 07/26: 2000; interpolation 07/27: 2000; interpolation 07/28: 5000 07/29: 5000; interpolation 07/30: 5000; interpolation 07/31: 7500 Martins in the sky above midtown Omaha.

August 08/01: 7500; interpolation 08/02: 7500; interpolation 08/03: 10000 08/04: 10000; interpolation 08/05: 11000; interpolation 08/06: 12000; interpolation 08/07: 13000; interpolation 08/08: 14000; interpolation 08/09: 15000; interpolation 08/10: 16000; interpolation 08/11: 17000; interpolation 08/12: 18000; interpolation 08/13: 19000; interpolation 08/14: 20000; interpolation 08/15: 20000; interpolation 08/16: 20000; interpolation 08/17: 25000 08/18: 25000 08/19: 25000 08/20: 25000 08/21: 25000 08/22: 25000; interpolation 08/23: 25000 08/24: 25000 08/25: 25000 08/26: 25000 08/27: 30000 08/28: 40000 08/29: 35000 08/30: 17500 08/31: 8000 September 09/01: 12000 09/02: 12000 09/03: 12000 09/04: 10000 09/05: 8000 09/06: 8000 09/05: 5000 09/06: 4000 09/05: 3000 09/06: 2000 09/07: 1500 09/09: 1200 09/10: 200 09/11: 100 09/12: 50 09/13/2009: 5

The economic value of these birds is readily apparent, yet wholly unrealized and not given any particular importance. The Purple Martins which gather do not get a single red cent for their being present. The entire gathering is part of their yearly cycle without any regard for any remuneration.

Once the 2010 season is completed, it will provides dates and numbers that will make for an interesting comparison to the 2009 and 2008 details, showing the variability in numbers present on different dates during each season. Having a third year of records will be a very important addition to the survey details for the roost, and allow a much better evaluation of economic value of the roost to birds and bird enthusiasts.