Purple martin migration peaking

The purple martin migration in Omaha is peaking at about 65,000 birds, more than double what was expected, local birders say.

The birds roost nightly in a small group of trees along 44th Street, immediately south of Farnam.

Jim Ducey and five other long-time birders watched the birds roost Monday and came up with the latest estimate. Ducey said these peak numbers probably will continue into next week.

“They just kept coming,” Ducey said Tuesday. “It was simply a sight I don’t have the words to express -- it’s best experienced by seeing it in person.”

For those interested in watching the martins, parking is available in a lot due east of the Clarkson Doctors Building South.

Ducey recommends arriving by about 7:45 p.m. to watch as the number of arriving birds builds from a trickle to thousands. The viewing is largely complete by about 8:30 p.m.

Officials ask that birdwatchers not park or stand in 44th Street because it is the hospital’s ambulance entrance.

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