Purple Martin Migration
Purple Martins are already beginning the first stages of their migration back to South America, but before they go, they give the city of Nashville a breathtaking spectacle. Each summer, Martin colonies leave their manmade nest sites after their juveniles have fledged and begin making their way to colony roosting sites in and around Nashville, with numbers starting in the thousands and by August swelling to the hundreds of thousands. For reference, in August of 2024, the estimated high count for Purple Martins at Nissan Stadium was in excess of 200,000 birds.
Nissan Stadium is the best place to see the show, and it also offers the easiest viewing. Depending on events going on downtown, there are ample parking opportunities and it is conveniently close to the interstate. I personally would recommend making sure there are no major concerts or events on the night you choose to go, and also I would recommend not going on a Friday or Saturday night. For those of you that are curious about the spectacle, but don’t think 200,000+ Purple Martins is a good enough reason to venture downtown (we don’t blame you at all!) I will link to a News Channel 2 video here.
Offering Water in Summer
If you are not already offering a water source to compliment your bird feeders, now is a great time to begin! We currently have 8 fountains, over 20 bird baths, and a variety of smaller hanging options so we have something for everybody!
Running water is certainly appealing, but this does not mean that birds will not use still water. Many times after a rain I have watched Robins bathe in puddles in the alley. That being said, perhaps you like the idea of offering running water, but already have an existing bird bath. In that case, we have several options. Our favorite is great for those of you with access to an outdoor power source. The Layered Waterfall Rock is currently our favorite option to add to existing water sources such as birdbaths. It operates using a small pump to recirculate the water, converting your water offering into a fountain with no fuss. Retailing at $65, this is our favorite option.
Our next choice is something that is perfect for those of you with no choice but to have your birdbath in the sun, and with no way to run power to it. The Backyard Essentials Solar Bubbler works well, but, keep in mind it will only work when it is exposed to DIRECT sunlight. Even a cloud passing over or a shadow is enough to slow the pump down to a trickle. Also, it does not store a charge, so it will only work during the daylight hours, not at night. All that being said, coming in at under $30 ($29) it is the most affordable after market moving water option and can more than make up for its shortcomings if used properly.
Lastly, for those of you who neither of the aforementioned options are practical, we have the Water Wiggler. This is the most simple option we have, as well as the ONLY battery powered water mover. Keep in mind, these don’t actually circulate the water; rather the motor turns two small paddles to create ripples on the surface.
Last Chance for the Alpinestone Waterfall!
This weekend only, our Alpinestone Waterfalls are going to be on sale for 50% off! If you have been yearning for the sound of a small stream on your porch or in your backyard, now’s your chance! Saturday only, these waterfall fountains will be $250 off, bringing them down to $250. Don’t let their size fool you, these waterfalls are made of resin and weigh only 50 pounds, making them one of our lightest fountains!