I crossed over the bridge at 11:45 PM Friday night, August 8, 2009. It's Manns Harbor, a sleepy little community, and everyone's sleeping (no motorists about!) so I can safely stop my vehicle on the bridge. The martins are quiet so I can't find them by ear, but I knew which area along the bridge they roosted because I watched them fly in on a kayak trip. I exit my van, camera firmly strapped to my wrist, go to the concrete railing and lean -- but not to far!-- over the edge for a quick shutter-flash.
Here's what my camera collected for your viewing pleasure:
Martins perched along the green outermost exposed I-beam.
Underneath is a row of birds snoozing along a cable.
Look at them with their little beaks tucked away under thier wings for the night.
ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz..............
Oh my goodness how neat, this is intriguing to see. Especially being that i never gotten the opportunity to watch Martins sleep, for those that i enjoy sleep inside of gourds every night.
ReplyDeleteNeat how they maintain their upright position although asleep and consolidated with the fact their head is off centered and tucked facing rearwards, it seems as if they would spin upside down on the electrical cable.
Funny.
I guess they turn their permanent "lock on" prior to sleep onset.
Amazing, could you imagine us homo sapiens attempting to perform such a thing? LOL
Chris
Eastern NC
My martins just left Rodanthe house. Guess they are now spending the night at the bridge. 7/29/2010. I'm heading to Rodanthe tomorrow to see how many return during the day.
ReplyDeleteMy first successful year! I have been trying for six. I didn't realize the black snakes were climbing the pole until I placed netting at bottom of poles and caught three in two weeks. This year nine pairs and 31 fledged. And all the joy of watching them!
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