MADRID, Iowa—The Friends of the Ledges received a generous grant from the Iowa Ornithologists Union this spring to purchase and install a Purple Martin nesting gourd structure. Purple Martins are a bird in the swallow family and almost 100% reliant on human intervention to provide them with nesting habitat. They are very chatty, social birds and prefer to be in close proximity to humans.
Late last week we received our gourd system and set the footing for the pole. Early this week we constructed the pole, pulley and gourd arm structure and raised the system of gourds high into the air. Now…… we wait. The chances of attracting a nesting colony yet this year are extremely low, as all Purple Martins have migrated back to other locations and are well into their nesting season. The hope is that some nearby Purple Martin residents or fall migrants venture to our new complex for a looksee and remember the attractive abode for their return to central Iowa in 2027.
(Left) Volunteer Karl & park aide Emerson shovel concrete around the base of the Purple Martin nest gourd pole. (Right) Karl installs the first gourd!
We placed the structure just outside the park office complex. Here, future Martins will enjoy the busy comings and goings of our staff and visitors; as well as be in close proximity to water and open-air space that they so like. Stay tuned to future editions of Nature Notes for updates on the Purple Martin project.
The first set of gourds are raised high and waiting for Martins!
(contributed press release, Nature Notes)
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