Oberlander Colony / Fairview, PA

[Terry Suchma]

Dear Landlords,

Diane Oberlander sent me a few photos of her returning partial albino Purple Martin that she and her husband named "Whitey."

Hi Terry!

5-16-08 Whitey returned today. You may remember having seen him on the video last year. He is whiter than ever and has reclaimed his gourd from last year, kicking out another ASY couple. He must surely be a bully to have survived this long.

Whitey came to us Spring of 07 and nested with a SY female. They had 5 eggs, none of which hatched. We placed one adopted martin in their nest and the pair took right to him (her). We watched the whole season on nest cam and recorded it. On May 15 Whitey returned to our colony. We estimate his age to be 4 years old. We hope that he will find a mate and that this year will have his own "children".

I'll keep you informed of his progress.

Diane

Here are some excellent photos of Whitey:

Whitey in hand

Whitey on Perch


Whitey in Gourd


Thank you, Diane!

Terry