Organizing a martin workshop/slide show

Introduction
Explain that the Purple Martin is the largest North America swallow, (see 13 reasons martins are unique for other points to mention) and the only bird species that is almost totally dependent on people to supply it with nest sites in the form of houses and gourds. An estimated one million people put up housing for martins each year, but most are unsuccessful at attracting martins. The PMCA was formed to help martins, and the best way to do that is by educating those who wish to become martin landlords. After slide portion of program, have a question & answer session, use your own knowledge of martins & common problems. Also, always feel free to use your own words and personal experiences, rather than feel you must use suggested wording.

I Basic Biology: Identification of Purple Martins: Slides 1 - 7
Breeding Range & Migration-timing: Slides 8 - 11
Nesting & Young: Slides 12 - 25

II Feeding Habits: Martins, like all swallows, are aerial insectivores. All they eat is insects, caught in flight. Their diet is diverse, including dragonflies, damselflies, many types of flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, grasshoppers, flying ants, cicadas, bees, wasps, midges, leafhoppers, stink bugs, spiders, etc. No study has determined how many insects they eat a day, or the volume or weight of those insects. Slides 26 - 32

III Predators & Nest Site Competitors: Martins have declined in part due to the introduction of two nonnative species; European Starlings and House Sparrows, that compete with them for nest sites. Some native birds, such as bluebirds and tree swallows, will claim and defend an entire martin house, if permitted. The solution is to provide alternate housing for native species, and keep martin housing closed until it is time for subadult martins. For nonnative competitors, it is best not to permit them to nest anywhere on your property, as they will peck and destroy eggs and nestlings of martins, bluebirds, tree swallows, and other birds. There are several methods to help encourage martins, and discourage European Starlings and House Sparrows. (Starling proof entrances, gourds, nest tear-outs, timing opening of pm house to arrival of SY's.) Slides 33 - 43

IV Housing & Management: Explain how the native Americans first attracted martins to gourds, before colonization of America. Eastern martins are now almost entirely dependent on supplied nest cavities, in form of houses and gourds. Western subspecies use cavities in cactus in AZ, woodpecker cavities in trees on west coast and mountains. PM's in Oregon, WA, and southernmost British Columbia are beginning to use gourds and single wooden boxes. Slides 44 - 60.

V Martin Population Trends & The PMCA: Tell about the PMCA & its cooperative research projects (Colony Registration, First Arrival ("scout") Dates, Project Martinwatch) The PMCA's Colony Registration program. The PMCA is attempting to locate and register as many colony sites, both active and inactive, as possible. Over 85,000 forms have been distributed. You can assist with this effort by volunteering to hand out these forms in your area.

The Purple Martin Update is the quarterly magazine published by the PMCA, and sent to members of the association. 32 pages of current information on martins, with emphasis on landlord education, ideas for improving colony sites and landlord success. Features beautiful photography, with lots of input from PMCA members. The PMCA is a nonprofit conservation organization, formed solely to help Purple Martin populations increase throughout North America. Slides 61 - 65