Photo by Janine Schutt
Purple Martin Project
PURPLE MARTINS
For many years, our hardy Kitsap Audubon Purple Martin committee members have
maintained and monitored Martin nest boxes around the county. Paul and Joan Carson,
John McDonald, and Sandy Pavey, with help from others, have tended these colonies
faithfully over the years. Huge Audubon thank you to them.
We hope they continue as the core of our Martin Program. If you have active Purple
Martin nest boxes or follow naturally nesting Martins, please consider sharing your
information and helping us maintain and monitor other nest boxes.
Meanwhile, the old nest boxes on pilings at the head of Eagle Harbor could use a
sponsor. These boxes are still used, but access for cleaning requires a high tide and boat,
or low tide and the ability to cross the mud with a ladder.
To volunteer or to learn more
KAS Purple Martin Project
The Purple Martins havebeen returning every April for decades to the clusters of hanging gourds put up by their friends at Kitsap Audubon.
Because of the intense competition for natural cavity nest sites from introduced species like the starling and house sparrow, Purple
Martins depend more and more on man-made colonies for their survival.
The care and maintenance of these colonies is a labor of love for a handful of dedicated volunteers. Some colonies are greatly in need of attention to keep them habitable. Kitsap Audubon provides support in the form of guidance and funding but
Purple Martin Conservation Society
Founded in the 1987 by James R. Hill, III, the Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA) is the world leader in research, education and conservation of Purple Martins, North America’s largest swallow.
