Purple Martins at Ladysmith Harbour BC Canada

We really enjoyed watching the "purple martins" during out stay at the marina in Ladysmith BC Canada. We watched the parent bring in the insects for the babies to eat...

Read more below about their recovery program!!

The martin colony on our docks is the largest one on Vancouver Island. Martins raised here disperse to most other colonies in the Strait of Georgia. Our colony, therefore, contributes significantly to the growth and recovery of the BC Purple Martin population.

Ladysmith Harbour is one of nesting locations for the Western Purple Martins. LMS members are dedicated to seeing this martin population recover.

We are very happy to report that Purple Martins have increased from a low of five breeding pairs in 1985 to over 500 pairs in BC in 2009. Due to this significant population increase they have been moved from the BC Red List (Threatened) to the Blue List (Vulnerable) - an improvement in their conservation status.

The Ladysmith Maritime Society co-operates with the BC Purple Martin Stewardship & Recovery Program. We attach nest boxes to dock pilings, watch for the arrival of Purple Martins each spring and help counting adult birds and banding nestlings. The birds and their nestlings can be conveniently observed using our on-site "nestcam" during the nesting season.

An information kiosk at the head of the ramp to our docks provides information about the need to protect these birds.

You can find more information about Western Purple Martins in BC by visiting www.saveourmartins.org.