The National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward Class of Fall 2016 had a class day at the Hornsby Center for Environmental Research on Saturday, October 1. First they went on a short field trip to look at birds in various habitats, on a walk co-led by Travis Audubon volunteers Cinda Crossley and Jane Tillman. Then they attended morning talks on backyard birds and ecology from the ground up by Jane Tillman and Dr. Kevin Anderson. After that they learned how to maintain a Chimney Swift tower from fellow Habitat Steward Julia Heskett Last but not least, the Stewards threw themselves into the task of helping Purple Martin landlords Andy and Julia Balinsky clean the Purple Martin gourds to get them ready for next Spring.

Julia Heskett, NWF Habitat Steward and Travis Audubon volunteer, explains what needs to be done to maintain a Chimney Swift Tower.

Habitat Stewards look at one of the past year’s nests. If the nest is very disorganized, perhaps with trash, it was probably used by a House Sparrow.

 

Julia and Andy Balinksy explain the process to clean the gourds. This was especially important this year since there were cases of avian pox.

Getting organized to clean the gourds.

Above, several Stewards are emptying out nest contents of this past year’s gourds.

 

A Habitat Steward rinses gourds. Then they are taken to the bleach station.

Gourds are being soaked in bleach to kill mites and the avian pox virus. Purple Martin landlords Julia and Andy Balinsky are on the left.

 

Then the gourds are organized for drying.

Julia Heskett organizes gourds, hangers and lids. Julia also maintains the native plant garden by the bird blind located next to pond 2.

It was important to scrub all interior surfaces to get rid of mite eggs and grunge.

The Balinskys and Julia Heskett are dedicated Purple Martin landlords. They can’t wait until early spring when the Purple Martins will come back for another nesting season.

Feedback from the Stewards about the experience was positive. One new Steward said he was planning to educate all his friends about Purple Martins.

If you want to learn more about Purple Martins, including how to start and maintain a colony, sign up for the next Purple Martin class. It will take place February 11, 2017 from 1-4 p.m. Register here!