SOLON — If you have spent any time in Solon, particularly at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA), you have undoubtedly seen groups of white plastic containers resembling gourds hanging from racks atop metal poles; and quite possibly wondered what they are, and why birds seem to be perched upon them or flying around them. What those are, are Purple Martin colonies, and there are five of them around town.
Larry Olson is the caretaker, or “landlord” for these colonies along with Kelsey Gerlits. Together they maintain 160 gourds located at the SRNA, Solon Intermediate School, Wood Lilly Park, the gazebo at the Solon Care Center, and at Lake Macbride Golf Course. Olson, who began Solon’s colonies in 2009, shared his passion for the birds with nearly 30 others during a presentation at the Solon Public Library last week along with Don Lund, who presented on Kestrels.
Purple Martins are native only to the Americas and unlike other birds, they are completely dependent on humans for their homes. Olson explained the birds have an affinity for humans, preferring to make their nests where there is frequent human activity. Native Americans discovered long ago that the birds would nest in hollowed out gourds if they were hung up around their camps. They also discovered the feathered guests would act as sentinels giving an early warning of approaching danger.
Today, the plastic gourds are home sweet home for four months out of the year as they typically start to arrive from South America during the first week of April. Purple Martins migrate in a staggered manner, Olson said, with older Purple Martins returning first with “sub-adults” arriving four-to-six weeks later. While here fledglings are hatched. Olson said females will typically lay four-to-six eggs, which after 15-16 days of incubation will hatch at a rate of approximately one per day. The fledglings are hatching now and will only have a few short weeks to grow, mature, learn to fly, and learn to hunt before leaving early next month for a four-to-six week journey of 4-5,000 miles.

“Survival of the fittest” is something of a cliché, but also a reality, particularly for Purple Martins. Olson said the survival rate for the birds is only 25% for the hatchlings and 50% for the adults.. And their life expectancy isn’t very long with four-to-five years equaling “old age.”
While here however landlords do their best to make the Purple Martins comfortable by keeping the insides of the gourds clean and evicting squatters – such as House Sparrows and European Starlings, who invade the gourds and take over. Landlords also take steps to protect the Purple Martins from predators such as Cooper’s Hawks. Atop the racks holding the gourds are several decoys perched and resembling resting (and vulnerable) Purple Martins. Where a decoy is seen hanging upside down, it most likely is from a diving Cooper’s Hawk looking to score an easy meal. In return for clean bedding (often pine needles) the appreciative Purple Martins are tolerant of having their fledglings handled by the human caretakers while the gourds are cleaned out.

Kestrels, small falcons, also need a little help with housing, said Lund. Wooden Kestrel houses are typically put up about 10’ from the ground and provide a cozy residence for the birds. Unlike Purple Martins, who prefer to congregate around people, Kestrels like wide-open spaces, utility pole lines they can perch on, and grassy areas where small rodents are likely to be scurrying around.
For those interested in starting a Purple Martin colony of their own, there are resources available including an annual Purple Martin Workshop, typically held in spring and before the birds return. The workshops, while featuring the Purple Martins, also feature speakers such as Lund presenting on Kestrels, and other issues of interest and/or concern to naturalists and conservationists.
“The Purple Martin is among our most wanted songbirds since an active colony brings joy to everyone,” said Jim Walters with the Songbird Project. “Martin populations across North America have rebounded as people put up improved housing and learn proper monitoring techniques. Establishing a new colony is now a realistic possibility for many people in our area.” Walters can be reached at 319-466-1134 for information on the 2025 Purple Martin Workshop.