Subject: Purple Martins (Port Ludlow)
Date: Feb 8 10:52:33 2004
From: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt - lynnandstan at earthlink.net


Since the subject of martins has come up, at this early date, here is
some other news.

The Purple Martin nestboxes at the Port Ludlow marina were scheduled to
be removed at the end of the 2003 breeding season according to the
harbormaster there last July, when I contacted her in an attempt to
get permission to do some maintenance. Apparently some tenants have
been complaining about bird droppings on their boats, a vote was
taken, and the boxes are coming down. I have not been back since
then, so dont know for certain what has happened.

The more or less half dozen pairs of martins there are likely
responsible for very little, if any, of the droppings on the boats.
I explained this to the harbormaster, she seemed sympathetic, but said
the matter had been decided.

Ive been surveying parts of the peninsula the past two breeding
seasons. Known martin populations there are very small and widely
scattered. Port Ludlow represents the largest known concentration of
breeders in Jefferson County, according to the data I have.

So, another suitable location in the immediate or general area around
Port Ludlow where permission could be had to put up martin nestboxes
this year may enable some of the displaced birds to remain local
breeders. I would be happy to supply nestboxes and assist if someone
can come up with a suitable site.

Stan Kostka
Arlington WA
lynnandstan at earthlink.net