conducted the first nest Check May 8, 2018
a nest check involves lowering each housing setup and then inspecting each cavity for nesting activity,eggs and young. As the season progresses a check is done every 5 to 7 days and the findings are logged into a notebook. At the end of the season the results are compiled and sent to the Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA) as part of Project Martinwatch. Project Martinwatch is a national study of purple Martins nesting data sent in by participating landlords.
Todays nest check at the Virginia Highlands Community College revealed:
7 nests started in the cedar T-14 house. One starling nest with two eggs was removed from compartment #10.
16 nests started in the ChirpyNest setup of housing cavities.
None of the nests are active ( with eggs).
The development of the nests in all compartments varied from a formation of a bowl to a bowl with fresh leaves. While these numbers represent nesting activity, I do not count them as a nesting pair until at least one egg is laid. Nest gathering began just a few days ago and I did not expect eggs today.
