Purple Martin Nesting: Nest Check, Fledglings & How to Keep Your Colony Healthy

In this video I perform a Purple Martin nest check just before the Fourth of July — right when the oldest fledglings are about a week away from their first flight. I take you through each gourd and compartment, counting chicks, checking for mites, and sharing tips for keeping your colony healthy. It's been a great season — 17 chicks counted across the colony with no mites and no signs of predators. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just getting started with Purple Martins, this video will give you practical tips for nest maintenance, mite prevention, and what to expect when fledglings are ready to fly. 🔴 Products: 🔸 Purple Martin Conservation Association → https://www.purplemartin.org/ 🔸 Lonestar House → https://www.purplemartin.org/shop/pro... 🔸 Gourds → https://amzn.to/39XYeNG 🔸 Super Gourds Crescent Hole → https://amzn.to/3LLGgLh 🔸 Pole Kit → https://amzn.to/3LHCNO5 🔵 Other Links: 🔹 GoPro 10 (Camera Used to Film) → https://amzn.to/35lPvSR 🔹 Deity V-Mic D4 Duo (Mic Used to Film) → https://amzn.to/3VApTY2 🔹 GoPro Media Mod → https://amzn.to/3SbcTVY 🔹 Music: https://share.epidemicsound.com/n09qvi 📝 DIY Plans: https://homeprohero.etsy.com FOLLOW ME 📸 📸 Instagram:   / homeprohero   ▶️ YouTube:    / @homeprohero   📘 Facebook:   / homeprohero   🎵 TikTok:   / homepro.hero   🛒 Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeProHero 🌐 Website: https://www.homeprohero.net Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support! ⏱️ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction & Nest Check Overview 00:34 Purple Martin Location Requirements & Tips 01:03 How Close to Trees Is Too Close? 01:40 Starting the Nest Check — First Gourd 02:30 Oldest Chicks: 21–28 Days Old & Mite Check 03:26 Second Gourd Check & Egg That Didn't Hatch 04:16 More Chicks Counted — Running Total at 14 05:22 Final Nest Check — Total Count & Mite Prevention 05:49 When Fledglings Fly & What Happens Next 06:14 Plans to Expand the Colony Next Year #purplemartin #purplemartinnesting #purplemartinfledgling #nestcheck #birdwatching #purplemartincolony #backyadbirds #purplemartinhousing #mitecheck #homeprohero