Wherever you live and whatever you call one, you cannot deny the precious tie that binds this bird to the Americas. This wildbird that flies thousands of miles to nest on Northern American soil depends upon us, almost completely, to breed. If Purple Martin landlords (nest cavity providers) did not exist, these birds would probably go by way of the Dodo or passenger pigeon.
In my opinion, no other bird captures the splendor of nature like the Purple Martin. What other animal-wild or tame, traverses oceans and continents to return to the same place-year after year? We have been honored with a sacred trust over hundreds-perhaps thousands of years, to provide homes for these birds. It is a duty that some have been called for; to maintain their homes and provide for their safety.
Many people try for years to attract their first pair of Martins. Why do some seem 'blessed' with attracting these aerial artists? Others seem cursed with failure. What can YOU do to increase your chances of obtaining the privilege of being host to these little wonders? Be assured that it may not be something that you are doing wrong. No one knows why some seemingly perfect sites, go "Martin-less."
Sometimes just a new perspective on your site can be a valuable tool. We often see past small problems in our own set up or site, but a fresh look can uncover obstacles that can be hindering your success. Ask for help. Email me at info@PurpleMartins-R-us.com. I will be the first to admit that there are others who have been caring for Purple Martins much longer than myself. I can only attest to my own experiences and successes.
Martin housing too close to trees. Remember that the Purple Martins desire to nest in the open is in an attempt to achieve safety from hawks. Trees provide a hunting spot that hawks can ambush Martins from. So keep them away from trees as much as you can. 60 feet away is ideal. Keep in mind that a colony that is flourishing will accept a tree as it grows-year after year. BUT that tree will increase chances of predation by hawks which can, in turn, cause you to ultimately lose your martins.
Martin housing occupied by birds other than Martins. The cardinal rule of never letting any other bird nest in your Purple Martin house applies. Martins will not feel safe and thus will not invest a nesting season in housing where their arch enemies reside. Though you may see English House Sparrows and /or Starlings "peacefully" coexisting...trust me, the Martins will eventually lose out. Both Starlings and English Sparrows have multiple clutches of eggs per season. The Purple Martin will only lay 1 clutch (batch) of eggs. So for them to risk those eggs life in an unsafe home isn't going to happen. Some returning martins will continue to nest in housing that has become infested with Sparrows or Starlings but that is only testament to a Purple Martins site fidelity. In time those Martins will move on to safer housing...if they survive the S&S!
New does not mean good. A new Purple Martin house with no activity may come across as an abandoned site. Martins seek out their own. They find protection and safety in numbers. If your site comes across like a ghost town passing birds may just keep going. It's all about safety; using proven tools such as Purple Martin decoys and playing Purple Martin dawnsong will cause passing birds to check out your site. It's as if there is a party going on and they will want to check it out. Also adding nest material will help greatly.
UN-familiar housing. Check out others in your area (up to a 50 mile radius) that have SUCCESSFUL martin housing. By successful I mean that they have Martins that return year after year and fledge baby Martins. Housing that just brings the curious but does not attract nesting Martins doesn't count. And housing that produces Starlings and Sparrows doesn't count either. See what type of housing other Purple Martin landlords have and try to stick with that. For example: Are they using gourds or houses? This will increase your initial chances. You can always switch the housing gradually, after a few successful seasons to something else.
Are there more mistakes? Sure are, but these are the big ones. Just remember that sometimes getting them to your site is the easy part. It's the "keeping them" that gets tricky.
Being a Purple Martin Landlord is NOT a passive hobby- it is an active endeavor. If the hobby you seek is sitting back and watching nature take its course; you can still have success as a Purple Martin landlord, But your success will increase tenfold with a little extra effort on your part. We live in a world surrounded by the consequences of "letting nature take its course". It is too late for the Purple Martin to be left completely "on its own". With the scales tipped against them, their numbers will flourish with some extra help.
You can always just put up a small nest box or bird bath. Or perhaps purchase one of our beautiful purple martin gift items and enjoy!
