As a child I remember how proud my grandfather was of his Purple Martins... Their cheerful antics and conversational chattering to each other are so enjoyable to observe that it's no wonder that people go to great lengths to try to attract this bird. Native Americans set up the tradition of hanging gourds for Purple Martins to use as a nesting cavity and now in the eastern part of North America, they are totally dependent on man-made structures to house their colonies. According to the Purple Martin Conservation Association, over one million North Americans maintain housing for Purple Martins, but only a small percentage actually ever attract these birds to their house. I guess I'm in the larger percentage...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.
I took these photos at the gardens of the Springfield Botanical Center where I volunteer. This house was constructed last year and is maintained by the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society. This spring it had its first couple arrive and take up residence and hopefully more pairs will join them soon... 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.
