By 1812Blockhouse
Richland County Park District has shared an exciting update on social media regarding the flourishing birdlife at the B&O Bike Trail’s headquarters in Lexington. The highlight of this announcement centers around the presence of Purple Martin eggs in the newly installed Purple Martin gourd rack.
Successful Nesting in the First Year
The Purple Martin gourd rack, installed on April 4 of this year comprises 24 gourd-shaped nest cavities designed to attract and support Purple Martin nesting. Typically, it can take several years for a new gourd rack to attract Purple Martins, but this year has been exceptional. By late May, the first young martins began exploring the tower, and by June 1st, several nests were already established with eggs.
Importance of Artificial Nest Sites
Purple Martins, known for their aerial agility and insect-eating habits, no longer nest in natural cavities. They rely entirely on human-provided artificial nest sites. The installation of the gourd rack at the B&O Bike Trail is a significant step in supporting the local Purple Martin population, providing them with a safe and suitable nesting environment.
Purple martins are the largest swallows in North America, known for their graceful flight and close association with humans. Despite their popularity among birdwatchers and homeowners, purple martins face conservation challenges due to pesticide use, competition from introduced species, and vulnerability to harsh weather conditions. Their long history of nesting near human settlements, high site fidelity, and unique relationship with humans make them a beloved species in the bird-watching community.
Join the Birds and Breakfast Bird Walk
To celebrate and learn more about the Purple Martins and other local bird species, Richland County Park District is hosting its monthly Birds and Breakfast Bird Walk. This month’s walk will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 7:00 AM, starting from the B&O Bike Trail’s parking lot near Lexington Community Park. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the Purple Martin gourd rack and enjoy a morning of birdwatching.
- Event Date and Time: Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 7:00 AM
- Location: B&O Bike Trail’s parking lot near Lexington Community Park, 158 Plymouth St, Lexington, OH 44904
- Coordinates: 40°41’03.1″N 82°34’54.4″W
This bird walk is a fantastic chance for nature enthusiasts to witness the Purple Martins and learn about their nesting habits. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and support local wildlife conservation efforts.
Photo: Creative Commons License
