In the wake of the storm on May 8th of 2009, we lost several bluebird and martin houses on the course. With Spring approaching, we have begun to rebuild these homes to insure we have a population of these valuable birds on the course.
The bluebird houses were completely destroyed, so we have rebuilt 13 houses for the birds to have shelter for reproducing. The Eastern Bluebird's population declined from about 1800-1980. The reason for the population decline of this songbird was due to unsuitable nesting sites for the birds to reproduce. The decline in nesting sites was due to urbanization and competition for the remaining nesting sites with sparrows and starlings. The houses that we and others build are helping this species make a comeback. The houses will be placed in wide open areas along wood lines and natural areas. These locations will allow the birds to be able to hunt insects and spiders for food. We will also feed the birds mill worms to lessen the burden of hunting, thus increasing the clutches ability to survive and reproduce. Once the bluebirds find the new houses here at the course, they will produce two clutches of juveniles. I hope that we are able to keep a sound record on the number of juveniles we are able to harvest. Their nest is built by the female and is made primarily of twigs and pine needles. The females lay their eggs (usually 3 to 7) from early April to mid August. The female incubates the eggs, and it usually takes about 14 days after they are laid before they hatch. This process is of course temperature dependent. 
The Purple Martin houses have been fixed, but need new poles installed to elevate the houses to their requirement of 12 feet. Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family. These birds spend the non-breeding season in Brazil and then migrate to North America to reproduce. The scouts typically arrive around mid-March to scope out a place to nest. Our houses are located around the pond at #10. This location provides a wide open area, close to water, and is near no trees that are taller than the Martin houses. This is what you are looking for if you want to put a Martin house on your property. The pond and overflow ditch are ideal areas for insects to culminate. This is the food source for the Martins. These birds are a natural way of controlling mosquitoes. I have yet to be bit by a mosquito while at work. Like the bluebird, Martins are in competition with sparrows and starlings. I have witnessed some really good bird fights between these three species. Like the bluebird, Purple Martins are also monogamous. The male and female both build the nest and the female will lay 2 to 7 eggs. The female then incubates the eggs and the juveniles will hatch about 15 days after they are laid. The fledgling stage of these birds is around 30 days. After this stage, the young birds still depend on their parents for food for an additional two weeks.
I hope you enjoyed the post and if you have any questions on how to build or where to put one of these houses on your own property, feel free to contact me.
Shannon
