Over the last couple of days in coming and going from work I've noted a group of Purple Martins at a private residence that offers man-made martin gourds. On a number of occasions I've watched individuals entering and exiting the 'gourds' which makes me believe that they are going to nest there (or already possibly are). I know that this is slightly early for this species (especially in northern Iowa, as the early breeding dates are around April 15th). Nice to see this species finding a properly maintained breeding station, as I've observed so many of these platforms easily and quickly overrun with starlings and House Sparrows.
Jacob Newton Ottosen, Humboldt Co., IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
