NestWatch News

Diane Seward, Coordinator, Citizen Science Projects [email protected]

We have two newsworthy items to report: First, I am excited to report that Larry Anderson installed our first 12-unit gourd system for our Purple Martins, just in time for our first martin scouts.

Four male martin scouts were observed flying over the martin houses on March 22. They were observed again on March 26 and March 30. See the photo of the 12 gourds, ready to welcome martins that have migrated from South America.

Second, Tree Swallows arrived at about the same time as the martins, and one pair has already begun, as of March 26, building a nest. Tree Swallows raise young just once each season; they are a very special and fragile species and amazing aviators.

The photo, courtesy of Brett Davis, chapter Photography Committee Chair, shows a pair of Tree Swallows perched on the nesting box they have claimed this spring. They will be in residence for about six weeks. We wish them well!