Purple martin activity is somewhat subdued right now, with eggs presumably being incubated, and with the cool wet weather. In the past week I got a report of at least five pairs of martins at Picnic Point, martins that were eagerly checking out new martin boxes just moments after installation. Five boxes were already present on the pilings, and three more were just added by Lynwood residents Ed and Doug.

Jack Block Park on Elliott Bay had six nest boxes and gourds showing activity last night, especially when an adult bald eagle flew low near the nests. Three martins flew directly at the eagle as it flew under the high observation area, and the eagle calmly proceeded to its nest in the green belt to the west. The eagle had a clump of dry grass in its talons.

Shilshole Bay has at least 5 pairs, and Terminal 105 and Herring's House Park have at least one pair each. In another three weeks or so I would expect to see lots more activity as young are being tended to; right now it can be hard to find martins at mid day.

Yesterday I got a report of three purple martins on Lake Washington near Magnuson Park, but I've been unable to verify it; they were reported to be checking out a natural gourd that has an active violet-green swallow nest.

Kevin Li
Ballard, USA
kdli at msn.com