Vashon-Maury Island Audubon Program

After a near-disappearance of Purple Martins (Progne subis) from the Northwest, the large dark swallows are experiencing a significant and steady increase in nesting pairs over the last two decades. This rise is due to volunteers who place nest boxes and gourds on pilings along the Columbia River, through Puget Sound, and into British Columbia.

These boxes and gourds hang on the pilings that ring Vashon and Maury Islands. Thanks to Islander Rich Siegrist, Vashon’s Purple Martins have experienced an amazing recovery. Since 1994, he has built, hung, and monitored Vashon and Maury’s nest boxes and gourds. He records the number and locale of nesting pairs. For instance, his data show that the highest years were 2004 when 72 nested in the boxes plus 2 pair nested in the pilings for 74 total.  In 2005, 72 pair nested in the boxes plus 4 pair nested in the pilings for 76 total. Some years, the numbers drop to the low 30’s, most likely due to late springs and cool summers. These records are sent to The Western Purple Martin Working Group and to Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Purple Martins are a State Candidate for listing as threatened or endangered species. Joining Rich on the panel, Ann Spiers and Alan Huggins will give details about the identification,  natural history, migration maps, slides, and  history of the Purple Martin and its decline and recovery in the Northwest.

 The program will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust building, 10014 SW Bank Rd. The Program is FREE and all are welcome.