If you are a bird lover, I'm sure that you know about these aerial beauties...the Purple Martins. Have you ever seen those white gourds hanging on poles in fields? These gourds are usually put up to attract Purple Martins. The photo shows another type, the Purple Martin hotel, that can be purchased to bring these singers into your space.
Purple Martins are aerial insectivores - eating only flying insects high in the sky mostly during daytime hours. According to www.purplemartin.org, the belief of many that Purple Martins can be used for mosquito control is untrue. First of all, mosquitos come out in the evening and are not found at heights where the martins fly.
If you want to attract these aerial acrobats, you will need an open spot of land with the nearest housing 40-60 feet away. Also, Purple Martins dislike areas with trees, bushes, etc.; they prefer open areas. Gourds should be painted white or light pastel to attract the birds and reflect heat. According to the website, one million Americans put up housing and try to attract the birds. If you are successful, the martins are loyal and usually come back to the same house year after year to raise their young. Another interesting fact is that a pair-bond is monogamous.
One of my favorite summer sights is watching their speed and agility as they fly high into the sky and feed. The songs these birds share in flight will certainly make a passer-by stop, look, and listen.
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