COA is pleased to share this 2023 update from Bill Ponterella regarding a Purple Martin colony we helped me establish by providing a Mini-Grant in 2021.
So far this season I have 91 eggs in 18 gourds.I actually have a couple of gourds that have 7 eggs, however most have 5.I’ll attach a couple of pictures from this season, please feel free to use them if wish.I am currently researching options for banding unfortunately I don’t believe there are any groups doing banding this year.Optimistically I should have all 24 gourds filled either in the 2024 or 2025 season.… A quick review of our progress since the COA assistance in
2021.This truly is an example of build it and they will come.I had tried to attract martins with a martin house for years.Unfortunately I only attracted 1 or 2 pairs of martins.I had the good fortune of meeting a mutual friend Terry Shaw.Terry helped me with installation and permitting of an osprey platform.He said to me this would be a great location for martins and with 20’ change in location and a different style rack (Thanks to the COA)Purple Martins arrived year ONE!So our progress is as follows.The rack holds 24 Gourds while there is activity in most I only count gourds as active with eggs and nestlings.2021 Season 16 fledglings in 8 gourds2022 Season approximately 54 fledglings in 13 gourds2023 Season 91 eggs in 18 gourds.Thank you COA members for making this possible!
Purple Martins spend the winter in South America and return to Connecticut to breed. On the East Coast they require man-made nesting structures in gourds and multi-condo boxes for nesting. Our thanks to Bill and other Purple Martin landlords for providing a safe and welcoming return for these largest swallows in North America.