Community/Public Martin Sites
From time to time various Cities ask the OPMA to set up Purple Martin Housing in the hopes of attracting them for the first time. Below is a list of some of the successes.
Ontario Purple Martin Association. “Managed Public Sites”
Purple Martin Sites in public locations are sponsored by the OPMA in collaboration with local municipalities, specifically where OPMA has supplied housing to the site, and/or has agreed to an ongoing maintenance involvement from the OPMA and its members.
Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO), Amherstburg, Ontario
The HBMO site was established in 2017, with an 8-gourd rack, a Trio Castle, and a Trio Grandpa. In 2019 a storm toppled the gourd rack, and in 2020 severe flooding made the area inaccessible. In the years since, we have received donated housing from Nature Canada to OPMA, and donations of a gourd rack system and T-14 made by OPMA members, as well as predator gourds, nest trays, winches, etc. Also, Tree Swallow/BlueBird boxes were donated to this site by OPMA members.
BIG CREEK (near Amherstburg), ONTARIO
With the donation of housing from OPMA members, this site was established in an area adjacent to Holiday Beach. Open flyways for the Martins, and viewing available to the public, provide a good opportunity for people to enjoy Purple Martin activities.
Essex Sports Complex Site, Essex, Ontario
This site offers wonderful open flyways in every direction. As of 2022, there are 5 pairs occupying this Trio Grandpa (which is modified to 6 large compartments with SREH (starling-resistant entry holes).
Colchester Beach Park Site, Colchester, Ontario
Trio Grandpa was installed in 2017 and is owned by the Town of Essex as part of the Communities in Bloom Project. The Troyer-14 was donated by OPMA member John Balga prior to Martinfest 2018. The site is maintained by OPMA members.
Co-Ann Park Site, McGregor, Ontario
Trio Grandpa was installed in 2017 and is owned by the Town of Essex as part of the Communities in Bloom Project. It is maintained by OPMA members.
Essex Region Conservation Site #2, Amherstburg, Ontario
With the donation of housing from OPMA members and Nature Canada in 2018, this site was established in an area adjacent to Holiday Beach with permission from ERCA. Open flyways for the Martins, and viewing available to the public, provide a good opportunity for people to enjoy Purple Martin activities. The site is maintained by OPMA members.
Rondeau Provincial Park Site
With the donation of housing from OPMA members Elaine and Henry Wolting and Rondeau Provincial Park in 2021, this parkland site was established near Lake Erie and is managed by Henry and Elaine.
