Nest Replacements

At this stage of the nesting season (most nests containing quickly growing young), it is very important to conduct nest replacements to remove harmful nest parasites. The main parasite that needs to be removed is blowfly larvae, which suck the blood of the nestlings causing some to become anemic. Reducing the number of blowfly larvae greatly increases the nesting success of the Purple Martins. Nests changes involve removing the nestings (at around 8 and 18 days of age) from the nest and placing them in a 5 gal. plastic bucket that containes dried White Pine needles. After the young have been removed, the entire nest and the parasites contained within, can be dumped into a waste container. A handful of dried While Pine needles should be placed back into the nesting compartment and a bowl should be formed at the back of the cavitiy. The nestlings can then be placed back into their parasite free nest!