I sat near sunset watching the Martins at Virginia Highlands Community College this past July 6. Feeding of young  was in full swing and several of the cavities were the first to fledge at this time of the season.  By july’s End all but a few of the birds will have fledged and fewer and fewer will be returning each night to roost.  

    Summer sunsets are rarely disappointing and this evening was spectacular.  Summer evenings are the best to watch Martins as feeding of young is non-stop. The sunsets are the catalyst to sacrifice an evening with my home colony.