
I've had a Martin house for several years, but never even had a second look. I have to admit that now I call it simply a "birdhouse" and it's home to Sparrows, Starlings and such...

Now I understand my grandfather's pride that he had for his returning colony of Martins each year. To attract and maintain theses birds you have to be a good "landlord." There are several steps to follow including: constructing the house to certain specifications, closing the house up during the winter, opening it back up at precisely the correct time in the spring, removing competing birds' nests, proper location of the house and the list goes on... If you're lucky enough to have an established colony in your Martin house, however, these entertaining birds would make the landlord responsibilities well worth the time and effort.

For more info on attracting and maintaining Purple Martins, visit the Purple Martin Conservation Association.
For more posts, info and photography of birds, visit Bird Photography Weekly and World Bird Wednesday.