Purple martins return to Houston
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Purple martins swirl in Houston. Photo: Shafaq Patel/Axios
Purple martins are back in Houston for their fall migration, again gracing some Houston-area shopping centers with their sunset nature show.
Why it matters: Each summer, the swallows spend time in the Houston area as they prepare to migrate to South America. Flocks of bird enthusiasts regularly gather to watch their swirling dance in the sky before the birds settle into their roost at dusk.
Driving the news: Houston Audubon hosts a few watch parties that draw hundreds of spectators. Educators are on hand to teach about the birds, but anyone can stop by one of the roosting areas on a summer evening to admire the aerial spectacle.
- The first watch party is outside Old Navy in Stafford at 8:15pm Saturday.
Zoom in: In addition to the Stafford shopping center, there's a major roost site by Willowbrook Mall. The birds tend to return to the same general locations each year, though the exact trees might change.
- They come in around July and remain until September, Christine Wehrli, Houston Audubon's community outreach programs manager, tells Axios.
How it works: After a day of feeding on insects, the birds swirl through the sky before settling into the trees for the night. The flocks are so large that live oaks sag under their weight.
- They usually start trickling in around 8:30pm, just as the sun begins to set. The display typically lasts about 45 minutes.
Fun fact: Purple martins prefer roosting in urban areas where predators are scarce — hence their affinity for mall parking lots.
💠My thought bubble: Every year, I'm in awe of the natural phenomenon and keep bringing new friends to witness the bird magic.
- It's so cool — and we're lucky to live in a place where we can so casually see it.
Pro tip: Park away from the trees. Bring an umbrella or a hat. And maybe some napkins, just in case you get lucky droppings — but it's a fun time.