Purple Martins: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions!
Photos by Bob Schamerhorn
www.iPhotoBirds.com
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• RESTROOMS: Where are the restrooms? A line of Portajohns will be located on Franklin Street behind the Farmers’ Market office and just west of the trees.
• LOCATION: Why do the Purple Martins congregate here? We do not know for sure why they are roosting at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market. There is some speculation that the open well-lighted habitat, the dense foliage (i.e. Bradford Pear trees) and the natural affinity for people are part of the answer, but not the total answer. Family groups of Martins, adults and their offspring, come to the pre-migratory roost site together.
• MIGRATION: Where are the Purple Martins going? To South America, a 3,000 to 5,000 mile journey. Please see enclosed map. That’s similar to flying from New York City to Los Angeles and then returning to Chicago.
• FOOD: What do Purple Martins eat? Flying insects and lots of them.
• HAWKS AND FALCONS: At Farmers’ Market, there are 3 main predators to the Purple Martins - the Peregrine Falcon, the Red-tailed Hawk, and the American Kestrel. See the drawings and additional information below.
• WHERE CAN I GET RASPBERRY SHERBET? The sherbet is provided from the Nicely Brothers Ice Cream Distribution Company and can be found under the roof of the Farmers’ Market.
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