Subject: Seattle Purple Martins
Date: Aug 11 09:57:12 1997
From: "Li, Kevin" - Kevin.Li at metrokc.gov


The purple martins in Ballard near Shilshole Marina are out and about,
having fledged at least two young ones; last night (Aug 10) from my
kayak I saw five martins flying around me, and at least four entered one
nest box near the North end of the old pilings, around 8:15 p.m..
Apparently just one pair nested here this year.
I visit the area very regularly, but sightings have been rather spotty
recently; dawn or dusk may be the best times for observation. Starlings
and House Sparrows have been very much present on the pilings and in the
boxes as well; last week a sparrow sat in the martin box for at least an
hour, much to my dismay.
Last year's family of five left the area during the first week of
September.

Kevin Li
King County Environmental Lab
322 W. Ewing St.
Seattle, WA 98119-1507

(206) 684-2344
(206) 684-2395 fax
kevin.li at metrokc.gov

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http://waterquality.metrokc.gov/waterres/lakes/index.htm