Purple Martins Swoop into Shockoe Bottom, VA By Thousands

By Louis Llovio | TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Continuing their month-long stopover in Richmond (VA), an estimated 11,000 purple martins swarmed over the 17th Street Farmer's Market this evening -- and several hundred humans showed up to celebrate their visit.

The tiny birds circled high above the market before making the evening's landing in the Bradford pear trees a block north.

The bird watchers, made up of families, enthusiasts and curious onlookers attracted by the crowd, listened to music, ate snacks and talked birds as they waited for the martins to arrive for the annual Gone to the Birds festival.

"We came out to dinner and you couldn't miss the crowd," said Diane Singleton of Richmond. She was meeting friends for drinks and a bite to eat at Havana '59.

The birds are making their annual stop on their way south to Brazil.

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