Date: 7/1/26 11:20 am From: Michael Perrone via groups.io <michaelperrone10...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Purple martins in the Valley again?
Some sixty years ago, starlings colonized the valley and captured nearly all the desirable nest cavities, prompting (I think) the steep decline of martins. Despite the starlings, martins remain as breeders elsewhere, including around Puget Sound. There martins use nest boxes placed on poles over water, typically on the ends of piers and boat ramps. In my experience, starlings don't use those boxes. It seems that starlings don't nest over water.
So, I suggest that we place boxes in such situations here, and see what happens. With their boating facilities, the Sacamento River and big water reservoirs seem good candidates. Can we give it a try? Eagle Scout project, anyone?
Please let me know what you think.
Michael PerroneDavis
