Purple Martins in 2023 Our Journey

by Gene
(Douglas County, Kansas)

Wow! it's been 15 years since the Wild-Bird-Watching Purple Martin setup was first established.

I began with a 12-unit S&K plastic martin house and for 2 years nothing happened. In the third year, an un-mated also known as "Second Year" male began coming around.

Still, nothing happened until the 4th season. That's when that same male returned as a full-grown Male Purple Martin.

He attracted a mate and raised 6 young and I was thrilled, to say the least.

The following year was the same, 1 pair and 6 young raised again.

Fast forward to 2023 and I have 9 pair with young that should be fledging in a couple of weeks. Trees have encroached and reduced the number who nest here.

My highest count was 18 pair and I felt that was plenty.

The setup now is a multi-gourd rack from S&K with 24 gourds that are mostly from S&K but I also have a couple known as Troyer Horizontals.

An established Purple Martin colony is one of the great joys of backyard birding and I encourage anyone who is interested to give it a try.




Here is some information about Attracting Purple Martins

If you have a couple of open flyways clear of trees and buildings and other trees 60 or more feet away, you might be able to attract these birds to your yard.

Of course, living east of the Rockies is a must for this species. West of the Rockies is a whole other game.