[Birdtalk] Purple martin nests

[Colby Neuman]

Hi all,

I also have another question regarding Purple Martin nesting habits.  What
are the usual arrival dates for Purple Martins to their breeding grounds in
Utah?  I know they've been seen in migration in the valleys in May and early
June, but are these birds the odd ones out in that most individuals migrate
immediately to their nesting site?  I know this question is difficult to
answer because many of the nesting sites for this species are generally
inaccessible in May due to snow, but any information would be interesting.
Maybe Mark or David can answer this question for the Deseret Ranch birds?
Thanks.

By the way David (and Mark, too), keep the posts coming from Deseret Ranch!
I always, as do many others, enjoy learning about what's moving through and
nesting in the state regardless of whether or not it's on private or public
land!

Colby


On 7/6/06, David Wheeler <dswheeler at utah.gov> wrote:
>
>  I spent the last two days on Deseret Ranch (private property, alas),
> west/southwest of Randolph, participating in a multi-state Purple martin
> study.  We found a couple of active nests.  Currently the adults are taking
> turns flying in and out of the nests, located in Flicker holes in aspens,
> with food.  It's neat to watch them, but the biting flies are unbelievably
> bad in the high country right now (mostly just a swarming nuisance rather
> than biting, but MAN!!), so the experience was compromised.
>
> Anyway, if any of you know exact locations of current Purple martin nests
> in UT, I would appreciate any info you could give me to help in the study.
>
> Thanks,
>
> David
>
> P.S.  Saw 6 moose (including a cow with a calf), the usual badger, and
> lots of baby grouse (this week it was Blue grouse, last time it was Sage).
> Vermin everywhere.  It's a lovely time of year.  (sigh...)
>
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