Tweeters, Kevin Li, and others interested in Purple Martins:


I visited a Purple Martin nesting site along the east side of Budd Inlet
north of Olympia this morning. I found only four boxes where, in 1986
through 1990, we had 8 single-pair boxes and a big metal condo with
about 16 compartments (enough for one pair out here). The condo is
in total disrepair and is slid down to the base of its post so it
is unusable. Of the four usuable boxes, two were occupied by Purple
Martins, one by House Sparrows and one was undetermined. However, at
least four pairs of Purple Martins were present (I had nine dive-
bombing me as I examined the condo).

So, there needs to be some work done at this site. I am going to
try to get at least four new boxes up. I may repair the condo
as well though it may not be worth the trouble. Probably better
to mount a single-pair wood box on its mounting pole.

Kelly McAllister