To the best of my knowledge this is a first record for Grant County ?
I admit my skepticism upon reading Bob Flores' report a month ago, and
am pleased to hear of this, possibly a follow up sighting, especially in
that this bird was observed well enough to determine sex and age.
Great work birders ! Now, if someone observes this or any other
martin, especially an adult, again in the area during the breeding
season that would indicate a potential breeding record, and that would
be even bigger news for the Eastside. Are there any snags or old pilings
in the area ? If anyone in the Potholes area has an interest in
installing and monitoring some artificial nesting cavities (nestboxes)
for Purple Martins please let me know. I can provide a limited number
free of charge .

Stan Kostka
Arlington
lynnandstan at earthlink.net

Subject: Grant & Kittitas County birding 4/23-26
From: Birdking88 at aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 01:29:16 EDT
Tuesday at Potholes Reservoir, Just before sunset there were hundreds
of swallows flying low over the reservoir, along with scattered VAUX'S
SWIFTS and a real surprise: an adult
male PURPLE MARTIN. I remember hearing about a martin on the reservoir
about
a month ago, possibly during the crane festival? Perhaps the same bird.

Charlie Wright

Subject: Othello Sandhill Crane Fest.
From: "Bob Flores" <rflores at qosi.net>
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 21:12:15 -0800
Purple Martin on Potholes Res. boat trip. Just south of Job Corps Dike
North Potholes Reserve.