Purple Martins: Acknowlegdements
Special Thanks to Everyone Invilved
Sometimes it takes a long time to make people realize that they have something very special like the pre-migratory roost site of Purple Martins in Shockhoe Bottom. Special Thanks to all those who stepped up and made this possible.
Mayor Doug Wilder: As Governor of the Commonwealth in the 1980’s, Mayor Wilder signed into law the bill that created Kiptopeke State Park (instead of a residential subdivision. The blueprints still exist in a file). Kiptopeke Bird Banding Station is now the most Southern bird banding station with the longest continuous banding records thanks to Mayor Wilder.
Jimmy Fitzgerald: Examining the Doppler radar that he uses to report weather conditions in Charles City County for a local television station, Jimmy saw the “rings” of Purple Martins flying from two roost sites at sunrise and he found them in 2006. A passionate Purple Martin “landlord,” he has helped increase public awareness of the Shockhoe Bottom roost site.
Mike Wilson, Center for Conservation Biology: A biologist for the Center, Mike has been counting and estimating the populations of Purple Martins at the roost. It is thought that the highest number of birds will be observed in late July or early August.
Rex Springston: The Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter who wrote the first article in 2007 and followed that article with a second one this summer. A.J. Lagoe of Channel 8 and Tara Morgan of Fox Channel 12 and to all the media who covered this event and raised public awareness of Purple Martins and contributed to this event.
Steve Osberger and Jon Baliles: Steve took it upon himself to negotiate approval for a Purple Martin Festival through the Mayor’s office. With his sharp business acumen, he was successful! Jon Baliles of the Office of the Mayor assisted while Steve was away.
Thanks to all the volunteers who came from: The Purple Martin Conservation Association, National Audubon Society, Richmond Audubon Society, Virginia Society of Ornithology, and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Also Linette Bond of 17th Street Farmers’ Market, Sue Ridd, Kathy S. Butler, Arun Bose and David Spears.
