Retirement Is for the Birds

A Park Rapids, Minnesota, man has dedicated his retirement from engineering to a new challenge: engineering the return of a beloved bird species, the purple martin. According to InForum.com, after retiring 23 years ago, Don Wilkins created an eclectic arrangement of purple martin houses on Long Lake where he monitors nesting colonies and uses his engineering expertise to ensure the houses are not taken over by other birds. Each house is designed to be suitable only for purple martins, and Wilkins adds whimsical decorations for easy identification.

With 106 of 117 houses occupied, Wilkins’ project is a great success, which he attributes to more than just suitable birdhouses. He has also cleared trees from his property to allow the birds to access the homes easily, and he positions the houses over the water where purple martins prefer to feed.

Do you have purple martin colonies in your backyard? Share your tips in the comments!

Purple Martin Colony
Photo © Tyson Blanquart