Time to Think about the Purple Martins’ Return

by Donna Lewis

Happy New Year.

Just as our weather starts to turn cold and windy, for Martin landlords it is time to get ready for the return of our beloved Martins.

Right now they are still in Brazil. Very soon they will feel the time-long urge to migrate back to their breeding grounds. That would be across the border into the US and Canada. From my experience, the birds will arrive in Milam County around February.

Times vary a little from year to year.

The first to arrive are called scouts. They tend to be the adult males looking for nesting areas that will best attract females. Last year’s birds will arrive later, up to four to eight weeks.

Right now is the time to get your houses ready. It is harder to assemble an Owl guard when the weather is cold and windy.  Putting your gourds or apartments up nowmakes sure you are ready as soon as they arrive. Do NOT open the cavities yet. You need to wait till you hear the bird’s arrival and open only a few cavities. This keeps unwanted birds (House Sparrows) from taking over. Block the entrances with foam or something you can easily take out. Duct tape is NOT a good option.

I have people ask me how I know I have a Martin? Their song is different from any other bird. Believe me, they will let you know they have come home.

So, I had help putting up my gourd rack, and all I will need to do is add the pine-needles in a few weeks.

I have both a Gourd house and an apartment house. I have noticed here at our site, the gourds are the most favored.

Also, it is best to add new housing, or make changes before the Martins arrive. They don’t like change.

So, happy Martin season.