Subject: Purple Martins
Date: Jun 30 10:36:06 2001
From: Stan Kostka - lynnandstan at earthlink.net



Hi Tweeters

If your plans include some birding this summer in or near Snohomish
County, Washington, then perhaps you may be interested in participating
in an experiment intended to assist a future attempt at determining
the state?s population of Purple Martins. All you need do is observe
a colony site ( a minimum of a one hour visit, or a maximum of four
two hour visits, or any amount of time in between), record
observations, especially those that indicate nesting, and send your
records to me. It?s an easy exercise that does not require any special
birding skills or training. Please contact me privately and I will send
you a copy of the protocol , and brief descriptions of the waterfront
sites.

These are nestbox colonies and the martins are very tolerant of a human
presence near their nestsites. Observing martins at their nesting
cavities will provide for close up viewing of North America?s largest
swallows, as well as an opportunity to hear male vocalizations that
you dont get when they are in flight. Hopefully a weather pattern
will emerge and maintain throughout the nesting season that will
provide favorable conditions for the birds as well as the observers .
So why not plan on seeing and hearing an active colony of western
purple martins on a calm quiet morning, or during a summer evening
in the light of the setting sun, and hopefully agree to participate in
this simple study. Best time to do observations will be second half of
July and into August, when feeding activity should be at its peak.
Presesntly martins are on eggs or yet to lay.

Thank you

Stan Kostka
Arlington
lynnandstan at earthlink.net