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Purple Martins Are Back!

As Adult Purple Martins begin their migrationbefore the expected arrival of the sub-adult
and start arriving in the southern most partsbirds. Tracking arrival times, can easily be
of the eastern U.S. by mid January. Ourdone by visiting This site does a great job
thoughts  turn  to becoming Martin landlords.at providing all the information needed to
become  a  Martin  landlord.
This migration will continue northward with
colonies nesting primarily east of theTypes  Of  Housing
Rockies through early may. Sub-adults, those
in their first breeding year, arrive 3 to 6There are many types of Martin Houses
weeks  after  the  adults.available. The most common types are made
from wood, aluminum, and plastic. Heat
If you've ever consider attracting Purpleabsorption is a primary consideration when
Martins to nest near you, now is the time toselecting houses for Martins. Dark paint
learn what you need to know to be acolors hold more heat and should not be used.
successful  Purple  Martin  landlord.Ease of lowering the house to perform
monitoring  checks should also be considered.
Unlike most backyard birds, It's not as
simple as placing a Martin house up andPersonally I prefer the telescoping poles.
walking  away.These are made to slide into each other
keeping the house level at all times. Pulley
The location of the house, height, habitat,systems can be more costly, and any type that
water, and many other considerations need totilts the house can cause eggs and birds to
be  taken  into  account.slide  out.
Becoming a landlord to Purple MartinsGourds can also be used. These can be natural
shouldn't be taken lightly. If not takenor  commercially  made.
seriously, you could be causing more harm
than good to the Martins you are trying toWhen choosing to purchase a Martin house, buy
attract. House sparrows and Europeanfrom those who are familiar with birds. At
Starlings compete for nesting sites withthe very least, learn from the experts first,
Purple  Martins.then shop for the best price. Start small and
build  up  as  you  establish  your  colony.
A martin landlord must be diligent towards
these non-native species. Removing anyAttracting Martins comes with no guarantee.
nesting material or eggs that these twoEven when all conditions are met, you still
species may bring or lay in the martin house.might not successfully attract them the same
year you start. But do not dispair, keep your
This may have to be done twice a day andhouses up and maintained through the fall
continue until the martins have establishedmigration. Sub-adult Martins may take note as
themselves. These non-native species are morethey migrate southward. The following season
aggressive than martins at claiming nestingmay surprise you. It takes patience to
sites.attract martins. Although many have success
their  first  year.
When starting a new colony it's important to
know that sub-adults are the ones you'll beGet  Started!
trying to attract. Exsisting colonies (those
that nested in previous seasons) willIf you've considered becoming a Purple Martin
generally return to the same houses eachlandlord,  the  time has come to get started.
year. One more reason to attract these insect
eating  birds  to  your  home.It's easy to put it off year after year, we
all think up excuses only to regret it later
New Martin housing should not be raisedas the season ends... what might have been.



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