It’s February and you might have noticed a new structure at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center!
The new Purple Martin Housing has been installed, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Purple Martin “Scouts”. Purple Martins (PUMAs) are a unique bird with a past that is tied to humans so much so that they only nest in human made structures here in the Eastern United States.
In February/early March we hope to see our first “scout”* and if all goes well, become adopted as a “martin landlord”. *Purple Martin “Scout”: The term scout is given to the very first martin(s) observed back at an active colony site each year. Our hope is for first-year Purple Martins to discover our new housing structure and choose our location to nest. We’d also like to extend the invitation to new and existing members of Seabrook Island Birders to join our PUMA Team and assist with the landlord duties associated with these amazing birds.
This is an incredible opportunity for hands-on citizen science. This will include looking for scout martins, and monitoring the PUMA gourds over the nesting season (April-June). If we get really lucky, we may end up with tenants and we will work with SC Audubon to get them banded later this Spring. Data will be recorded and turned over to help with conservation of this special species.
If this sounds like something you’re interesting in, please join our PUMA team at the Seabrook Island Equestrian site on March 6, 2025 from 10am-12noon to learn more about helping us with Purple Martin land lording. We will have a gourd opening ceremony and discuss how we see this project rolling out. Initial duties will entail watching for scout martins and monitoring the housing setup. If you cannot make it to this – we would still LOVE your involvement, and we can work to make that happen.
Please register if you’re able to attend on the 6th. We hope to see you there!
Submitted by: Jennifer Jerome