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Purple Martins Are Back!

As Adult Purple Martins begin theirsub-adult birds. Tracking arrival times,
migration and start arriving in thecan easily be done by visiting This
southern most parts of the eastern U.S.site does a great job at providing all
by mid January. Our thoughts turn tothe information needed to become a
becoming Martin landlords.Martin landlord.
This migration will continue northwardTypes Of Housing
with colonies nesting primarily east ofThere are many types of Martin Houses
the Rockies through early may.available. The most common types are
Sub-adults, those in their firstmade from wood, aluminum, and plastic.
breeding year, arrive 3 to 6 weeks afterHeat absorption is a primary
the adults.consideration when selecting houses for
If you've ever consider attractingMartins. Dark paint colors hold more
Purple Martins to nest near you, now isheat and should not be used. Ease of
the time to learn what you need to knowlowering the house to perform monitoring
to be a successful Purple Martinchecks should also be considered.
landlord.Personally I prefer the telescoping
Unlike most backyard birds, It's not aspoles. These are made to slide into each
simple as placing a Martin house up andother keeping the house level at all
walking away.times. Pulley systems can be more
The location of the house, height,costly, and any type that tilts the
habitat, water, and many otherhouse can cause eggs and birds to slide
considerations need to be taken intoout.
account.Gourds can also be used. These can be
Becoming a landlord to Purple Martinsnatural or commercially made.
shouldn't be taken lightly. If not takenWhen choosing to purchase a Martin
seriously, you could be causing morehouse, buy from those who are familiar
harm than good to the Martins you arewith birds. At the very least, learn
trying to attract. House sparrows andfrom the experts first, then shop for
European Starlings compete for nestingthe best price. Start small and build up
sites with Purple Martins.as you establish your colony.
A martin landlord must be diligentAttracting Martins comes with no
towards these non-native species.guarantee. Even when all conditions are
Removing any nesting material or eggsmet, you still might not successfully
that these two species may bring or layattract them the same year you start.
in the martin house.But do not dispair, keep your houses up
This may have to be done twice a day andand maintained through the fall
continue until the martins havemigration. Sub-adult Martins may take
established themselves. These non-nativenote as they migrate southward. The
species are more aggressive than martinsfollowing season may surprise you. It
at claiming nesting sites.takes patience to attract martins.
When starting a new colony it'sAlthough many have success their first
important to know that sub-adults areyear.
the ones you'll be trying to attract.Get Started!
Exsisting colonies (those that nested inIf you've considered becoming a Purple
previous seasons) will generally returnMartin landlord, the time has come to
to the same houses each year. One moreget started.
reason to attract these insect eatingIt's easy to put it off year after year,
birds to your home.we all think up excuses only to regret
New Martin housing should not be raisedit later as the season ends... what
before the expected arrival of themight have been.



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