Purple Martins Rely on Human 'Landlords' to Provide Nest ...

What’s Happening

Let’s talk about The large swallows have nested alongside human settlements for centuries.

Now, the birds’ breeding success depends on caretakers who are beginning to age out of the role Purple Martins Rely on Human Landlords to Provide Nest Boxes Each Spring. Now, the birds breeding success depends on caretakers who are beginning to age out of the role Brian Payton, bioGraphic Get our ! (and honestly, same)

Purple martins are long-distance migrants that nest in human-provided boxes across North America.

The Details

Claudio Contreras / Nature Picture Library We’re in the full flush of spring. Here on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, signs of renewal abound, including winged arrivals from Espírito Santo, Brazil: the ravenous and ravishing purple martins .

Plus to the usual milestone—a birthday, my 60th—spring brings something else: the second anniversary of having survived a major health crisis that nearly cost me my life. Short of a swift helping hand, I wouldn’t be here today.

Why This Matters

I think the new me has become better at finding joy in and connection to the burgeoning life around me. I see it in the unfurling leaves, the riot of blooms, the return of migratory birds—especially the purple martins. North America’s largest swallows, purple martins command attention with acrobatic aerial feats as they pursue insects and each other.

Scientists and researchers are watching this development closely.

Key Takeaways

• The females of this species are mostly shades of gray, and the males are a resplendent, iridescent purple-black.
• Their complex vocalizations—urgent proclamations of metallic clicks and chirps reminiscent of R2-D2 —delight me every time.
• Clearly, I’m not alone in my appreciation.
• Six nest boxes, funded in part , have just gone up at the end of the pier overlooking our small town’s marina.

The Bottom Line

Six nest boxes, funded in part , have just gone up at the end of the pier overlooking our small town’s marina. Checking on them has become a highlight of my family’s evening strolls, which can include sightings of river otters, seals and bald eagles vying for castoffs from fishers cleaning their catches.

Are you here for this or nah?