The island

Purple martin nest boxes removed for replacement

Volunteers inspected the boxes at the Denman community dock and plan to assemble and mount replacements by early April.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2024-02-22 · compiled 2026-10-01

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Volunteers took down the purple martin nest boxes at the Denman community dock for replacement while the birds winter in Brazil, according to a community notice in this week’s Grapevine. ^[1]

A team inspected 17 boxes on February 3 and found that 14 had been occupied in 2023; three had either been used in previous years or not at all. The notice also reported two pairs nesting at other locations. ^[1]

The replacement boxes are to use heavier boards for insulation and longevity, and to break the cycle of parasite overwintering. The notice says the pieces have been cut and assembly and mounting are planned by early April. ^[1]

The notice also announces a Denman Island Western Purple Martin Project under the Parks Committee of DIRA, with volunteers focused on administration and construction. ^[1]

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