3 Crabs tide flats by John Gussman
Narrative by Dow Lambert and Dee Renee Ericks
Purple Martins at their nest boxes. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
On July 30th, the Purple Martin Team conducted the fourth and final 2026 census of the 18 Purple Martin (PUMA) nests situated on pilings above the 3 Crabs tide flats. Ken and Dow were joined by Brodie, Carrie, Dan, Dee Renee, Holly, John, Rob, Sam, and Scott. We were delighted to have John Gussman tag along on this adventure.
During a visit on Sunday, July 26th, Dow spotted the first PUMA fledglings perched on the post above nest box number 202 in the tidal lagoon.
As the team headed out, crossing sand and shrubs, sharp eyes spied a fledgling perched quietly on a log awaiting a food delivery from its parent.
Purple Martin fledgling waiting patiently. Photo by John Gussman
Dow later captured an image of two fledglings being fed by a parent. Parent birds were observed delivering dragonflies to their chicks along with other tasty insects. Photo by Dow Lambert
After setting up the ladder on the tide flats, Dow peeked into each nest box with an endoscope while Ken scrutinized the camera image in the app and Carrie documented the observations.
Dow balances on a 15‑foot ladder to check the nest box contents. As the chicks near fledging, the parents grow noticeably more feisty when disturbed. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Later, gathering photos and records from prior visits, he and Ken extrapolated the results:
Ten fledglings were out of the nest.
Only three eggs were observed.
A total of 32 chicks were present in nest boxes of varying ages.
There are 19 breeding pairs of PUMA at 3 Crabs.
Purple Martins near their tide flat nest boxes. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Back at the tidal lagoon, at least six chicks were observed at the doorway to their nest boxes, mouths agape as parents approached with a food delivery. These boxes are in a difficult‑to‑reach location and are not part of regular census checks.
Tidal lagoon nest boxes are located near the parking lot. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
John Gussman documented Purple Martin chicks being fed at 3 Crabs tidal lagoon nest boxes. The male PUMA is bringing in insects, and the female is removing poop sacks from the nest. True shift work in action!