Western Purple Martin Foundation

Adult male Western Purple Martin in Nanoose. Photo by Samuelle Simard-Provençal.

We are dedicated to the recovery and conservation of Western Purple Martin populations on the West Coast of North America.

Mission Statement

Our Mission

To restore and conserve the Western Purple Martin populations along the West Coast of North America.
To return BC Purple Martins to natural nesting sites in open forest and near freshwater habitats.
To eliminate the human intervention currently required for BC Purple Martin survival.

2020 BC Purple Martin Breeding Season (August 2020)

This year has been unusual, in more than one respect. With the poor weather in most of May and June, the Purple Martins were quite delayed in their nesting efforts.
Periods of cool and wet weather results in lack of flying insects for food and thus results in delayed or failed nesting attempts.
By July, the weather improved, and the Purple Martins were able to concentrate their nesting efforts all at once.

Past news

2015 Breeding Season

Approximately ~1,150 nesting pairs, a record >90 colonies extending west to Bamfield and north to Port McNeill in Johnstone Strait, a record ~4,400 nestlings fledged (3.8 young/pair), and a record ~2,800 nestlings banded. With this high productivity, the population forecast models indicate a further substantial population increase next year to 1,300-1,400 pairs which should mean more full colonies and more martins nesting at inland sites, as planned.

2016 Breeding Season

There were ~1,200 pairs, up slightly from ~1,150 last year, but quite a bit less than the 1,300+ we forecast. This was at least partly due to early season adult losses. There were 95-98 active colony sites of which only ~65 were monitored directly and reported. There were ~2900 nestlings fledged, down from the 3800 fledged last year and 1755 were banded (vs ~2800 banded last year). This number is not adjusted for post-banding mortalities. Average production for the Strait of Georgia area was about 2.4 -2.5 young/pair. With this production there will likely be an overall population return of 1200-1300 pairs in 2017 or there may be a small decline.

2017 Breeding Season

There were ~1,200 pairs, about the same as last year and as forecast. There were 95-98 active colony sites of which only ~65 were monitored directly and reported. An estimate of ~2900 nestlings fledged, about the same as last year. Average production for the Strait of Georgia area was about 2.5 -2.9 young/pair. With this production there will likely be an overall population return of 1200-1300 pairs in 2018 or there may be a small decline, depending on winter mortalities and next year’s spring weather.

2018 Breeding Season

There were ~1,200 pairs, about the same as 2017 and as forecast. An estimate of ~2900 nestlings fledged, about the same as 2017. Average production for the Strait of Georgia area was about 2.5 -2.9 young/pair. With this production there will likely be an overall population return of 1200-1300 pairs in 2019 or there may be a small decline, depending on winter mortalities and next year’s spring weather. Of the 100 active colony sites, only ~65 were monitored directly and reported.

2019 Breeding Season

Stay tuned - not written up yet.

Contact Information:

5331 Hammond Bay Rd.
Nanaimo BC
V9T 5M9

Phone/Fax: 1-250-758-2922
e-mail: click here

Website funded in part by the Ladysmith Maritime Society
Original website design by Danielle Morrison
Page last modified August 2020