Sunset Fly-In Soirée: An Intimate Evening at the Pond

 

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:40 PM
Location: Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery
(Hamilton County, 5 miles north of Grand Park)
https://www.woollyyak.com/event-details/sunset-fly-in-soiree-an-intimate-evening-at-the-pond

Join us for an intimate sunset soirée as we welcome back our returning Purple Martin colony to the skies above the ranch during golden hour. As the sun sets over the Hamilton County horizon, witness The Twilight Descent—a breathtaking natural spectacle of birds returning to their home at once, mirrored in the still waters of our pond.
What You Will See
• The Gathering Watch as the sky fills with Purple Martins returning from their day of foraging, circling higher and higher as the horizon turns to gold.
• The “Pros” in Action You will be observing the ASY (After Second Year) adults—the seasoned veterans who have survived the multi-thousand-mile journey from South America to lead our colony.
• Courtship & Pairing By mid-April, the ASY females have arrived to join the males. Watch for pairing displays on the housing porches—this is the peak of "real estate" season, where males use their vocalizations and acrobatic dives to entice a mate.
• Aerial Acrobatics These birds are the “F-16s” of the bird world. You’ll see them dive-bombing at high speeds, catching insects mid-air, and performing precision maneuvers right above the water’s surface.
• The “Fly-In” Finale Experience the dramatic, split-second descent where the entire colony drops from the sky at once to vanish into their birdhouses for the night.
The Soirée Experience
• Sunset Sips Every ticket includes your choice of our signature Purple Martin Wine Spritz (a crisp, botanical blend) or our handcrafted Non-Alcoholic Purple Martin Spritz.
• Intimate Atmosphere This evening is curated for those seeking a tranquil and scenic start to their weekend. Bring a blanket, a partner, and your binoculars and settle in by the pond to watch one of nature’s most beautiful sunset shows unfold together.
Admission & Pricing
• Soirée Ticket: $25 Includes event entry, your choice of a Signature Spritz, and prime pond-side viewing.

Limited Seating: To preserve the peaceful pond-side atmosphere, attendance for this sunset experience is intentionally limited.
https://www.woollyyak.com/event-details/sunset-fly-in-soiree-an-intimate-evening-at-the-pond

Nature’s Timeline: A Note on the Date
Because Purple Martin migration depends on weather patterns and favorable winds thousands of feet above us (the 850mb wind highway), their arrival is ultimately controlled by nature. We base our event date on years of historical data and current migration patterns.
• Our Promise: If a cold front or north winds delay the birds, we will notify you at least 48 hours in advance. You will have the option to transfer your ticket to the new adjusted “Fly-In” date or receive a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What happens if it rains? The “Fly-In” often continues in light rain. In case of severe weather, we will notify you by 4:00 PM on the day of the event for a full refund or reschedule.
• Are children allowed? While the Ranch is always family-friendly, the Friday Soirée is curated as a quiet experience for adults. Our Saturday Family Experience (April 18th) is specifically designed for all ages with a scavenger hunt and ice cream.
• What should we bring? We recommend bringing a cozy blanket or low-profile lawn chairs to ensure everyone has an unobstructed view of the horizon.