Purple Martins Are Back!
Wild-Bird-Watching
As Adult Purple Martins begin their migration and start
arriving in the southern most parts of the eastern U.S. by mid
January. Our thoughts turn to becoming Martin landlords.
This migration will continue northward with colonies nesting
primarily east of the Rockies through early may. Sub-adults,
those in their first breeding year, arrive 3 to 6 weeks after
the adults.
If you've ever consider attracting Purple Martins to nest near
you, now is the time to learn what you need to know to be a
successful Purple Martin landlord.
Unlike most backyard birds, It's not as simple as placing a
Martin house up and walking away.
The location of the house, height, habitat, water, and many
other considerations need to be taken into account.
Becoming a landlord to Purple Martins shouldn't be taken
lightly. If not taken seriously, you could be causing more harm
than good to the Martins you are trying to attract. House
sparrows and European Starlings compete for nesting sites with
Purple Martins.
A martin landlord must be diligent towards these non-native
species. Removing any nesting material or eggs that these two
species may bring or lay in the martin house.
This may have to be done twice a day and continue until the
martins have established themselves. These non-native species
are more aggressive than martins at claiming nesting sites.
When starting a new colony it's important to know that
sub-adults are the ones you'll be trying to attract. Existing
colonies (those that nested in previous seasons) will generally
return to the same houses each year. One more reason to attract
these insect eating birds to your home.
New Martin housing should not be raised before the expected
arrival of the sub-adult birds. Tracking arrival times, can
easily be done by visiting www.purplemartin.org. This site does
a great job at providing all the information needed to become a
Martin landlord.
Types Of Housing
There are many types of Martin Houses available. The most
common types are made from wood, aluminum, and plastic. Heat
absorption is a primary consideration when selecting houses for
Martins. Dark paint colors hold more heat and should not be
used. Ease of lowering the house to perform monitoring checks
should also be considered.
Personally I prefer the telescoping poles. These are made to
slide into each other keeping the house level at all times.
Pulley systems can be more costly, and any type that tilts the
house can cause eggs and birds to slide out.
Gourds can also be used. These can be natural or commercially
made.
When choosing to purchase a Martin house, buy from those who
are familiar with birds. At the very least, learn from the
experts first, then shop for the best price. Start small and
build up as you establish your colony.
Attracting Martins comes with no guarantee. Even when all
conditions are met, you still might not successfully attract
them the same year you start. But do not dispair, keep your
houses up and maintained through the fall migration. Sub-adult
Martins may take note as they migrate southward. The following
season may surprise you. It takes patience to attract martins.
Although many have success their first year.
Get Started!
If you've considered becoming a Purple Martin landlord, the
time has come to get started.
It's easy to put it off year after year, we all think up
excuses only to regret it later as the season ends... what
might have been.
The Purple Martins can use our help, and the reward of watching
them soar through the air, catching insects on the wing, and
feeding their young, well... how does one measure that benefit.
About The Author: If you love bird watching
http://www.wild-bird-watching.com you'll love
www.wild-bird-watching.com .
Learn the habits of common North
American backyard birds.
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