Purple Martins on patrol!

The Western Snowy Plover is a threatened bird species, due to loss of habitat, that lives on the Oregon coast.

In an effort to help the plovers survive, the Federal government has created nesting habitat in several areas along the coast. Their numbers are improving and there are now hundreds of the birds rather than just a few dozen. With the increase in numbers comes and increase in predators such as crows, ravens, coyotes and Norther Harriers. The Harriers are a raptor that feeds on small birds, mammals and reptiles. The government employs people and volunteers to assist in defending the bird habitat. This year they have added a new line of defense in the Purple Martin. Martins are very aggressive birds and when it comes to defending their nesting territory, the size of the intruder does not matter!  Martin nesting boxes have been added to the plover nesting areas in hopes that the Martins will drive predators, like the Northern Harrier, off.

I was very lucky to observe this idea in action. As I was taking pictures of the nesting boxes, a male Northern Harrier flew past me squawking with a Purple Martin repeatedly diving at him! They may not keep them completely out of the area but they will certainly make hunting difficult!