Hi Kevin and Tweeters,

> Kelly, were those Spanaway martins nesting in a colonial situation?

The four pairs are not terribly tolerant of one another. They have nested
in boxes about 10 yards apart. Some of the boxes have multiple compartments
but the martins are too intolerant of other pairs to allow nesting in the
same structure.

> Did the property owners have any tips for us? How long
> have martins been nesting there?


The martins have been coming to this location for 3 years. The home owners
are as surprised as anyone. Personally, I think that Fort Lewis, which is
nearby to the south, has been producing so many martins from their successful
nest box program that there were many birds returning to the general area
just looking for new places to nest. So, a cavity in a wide open setting which
allows lots of overhead space for patrolling, was good enough for these martins
needing a home. I really think that nest box programs started in marine shoreline,
lake or marsh environments are the most likely to be successful but, once
the martins are established, lots of colonizers can be expected in areas
that are less ideal but still offer a cavity in a wide open setting.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia Washington