Purple martins are among those birds that were, apparently, more common in
western Washington about 50 years ago. They were reportedly common in
the business districts around certain Puget Sound cities (Seattle, Tacoma,
Port Townsend). Earl Larrison published a note in the Murrelet indicating
that roughly 12,000 purple martins used a pre-migration roost on Green Lake
during (I think) 1945. Could this be accurate? It is hard to believe.

Drs. Suckley and Cooper spent considerable time observing the wildlife of the
Puget Sound region during the mid-1800's and saw only a single pair of purple
martins nesting in a cavity in an oak on prairie near Fort Steilacoom.

Perhaps, purple martins increased in response to the appearance of buildings
close to the marine shorelines. Perhaps they are increasing again, primarily
due to nest box provision. In 1987, some Department of Fish and Wildife staff
conducted boat surveys for nesting purple martins (tough duty) and found birds
at sites already mentioned in other postings as well as a small number of pairs
nesting in natural cavities in pilings (Kennedy Creek mouth, Skookum inlet,
Oakland Bay, and Flapjack point). There were birds using natural cavities in
a recently burned Douglas Fir stand at Fort Lewis as well. Also in natural
cavities at Cady Mtn and on Waldron Island. About three weeks ago I saw half
a dozen at a forested wetland near the Champion International office near
Kapowsin. I could not say they were nesting but I suspect they were. There
were numerous snags with suitable cavities. In the past I have heard reports
that I considered reliable of martins nesting along the shoreline of Bainbridge
Island and in various crevices (I thing in the barrels of the big guns) of some
ships at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.

I have learned of several new nesting places through the postings on this
subject. It is very worthwhile. Sometimes, though, it seems to take
forever to read through it all.

Kelly McAllister
Washingtn Department of Fish and Wildlife