Purple Martin Association of the Dakotas

Howdy folks
Who's seeing TS or PM migration arriving in they're area, for the 2025 season
Allen, anything happening in Crookston area?
Perry, what's it looking like in your area?
Large flocks of Avian, have been moving thru, NW Minnesota this spring, but BB are only house nesters here so far!

1st birds today @ 6:45 AM. 7 by evening most ever on 1st day. Put last T14 up yesterday total of 108 compartments including the 52 gourds this year. Replaced all brake winches with worm gear winches. Much easier on my bad shoulders. Birds went straight to meal worm feeders.

Allen
Congrats
Nice report, smart upgrade!
Worm winches can keep you safe, when using cordless drill with extension to operate, thus keeping you out from under!
Three ASY-m & an ASY-f arrived at our site on evening of April 16th!
Cool temps have cut foraging & socializing to bare minimum!I

2025 season
Season went well, considering the lite amount of moisture, the High temps & Heavy smoke plaguing the area!
Reports indicate, Lower insect numbers are result of High carbon & chemical levels plaguing the atmosphere!
This may pose future Concerns, since these Avian are totally dependenton the same!
Production numbers appeared strong regardless, with home site producing approx, 110 fledges from 25 pair, seven sites, I supplied systems for, fledged approx. 150 young from 32 pair, yielding 260 for our young group, with 2 sites awaiting a start!
.Am planning a slight reduction in cubys offered for 2026 season, in an effort to reduce insect pressure in the immediate area!?
Any thoughts from other members, in the group

Thanks for sharing this detailed update on the season! Those are impressive fledging numbers, especially given the heat, smoke, and limited moisture challenges this year. It is encouraging to see strong productivity in spite of the environmental stressors.

The observation on reduced insect activity is definitely concerning, since as you noted, it is such a critical factor for the birds. Your idea of reducing cubicles to help balance insect pressure in the immediate area makes sense—it seems like a thoughtful way to support both the birds and the local habitat.

A good rule of thumb I have heard is that if you take your pair count and multiply it by four to get the fledgling count, you are doing very well—by that measure your results this season look excellent for sure!

I am curious to hear what others in the group are seeing in terms of insect populations and how that is affecting their colonies. It may help us all plan ahead for next season.

Thanks again for the update and for all the work you are putting into supporting the birds!