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[Paige]

I don't know if this is the right folder to post this question... but here goes. This christmas I was given a purple martin house. I assembled the three level, 18 unit dwelling and put it up in early February as recommended. There had been no martin activity which I thought might be attributed to the odd hot/cold weather we've been having in Virginia. Finally, in late March, the house had tenants.... blue birds had moved in. I thought, well... if not martins... blue birds were a nice substitute. However, this past week, I'm sure I spotted a young purple martin and then a mature one. The blue birds were somewhat territorial, but have not (yet) discouraged the new visitors. Then, in the last few days, it appears I have attracted some stunning new birds (tree swallows). All three appear to be attempting to nest. My question is, are these birds compatible or is one species likely to 'take all?' I really don't want to evict anyone, I'm just curious if they can cohabitate. Thanks!!!

[featherbrain]

I have a martin house, and I have a story almost exactly like yours!

Don't expect the martins to move in so soon, it may take a couple years for them to nest in it. 2 years ago, I had a pair of Tree Swallows nest in it, then, last year, bluebirds nested in it during the spring, and after they were done, the martins moved in. Bluebirds are defenitely the most terretorial. Bluebirds can easily fight off Tree Swallows, and even a whole flock of martins (depending on how large the flock is). Now I discurage the bluebirds, even though they are pretty birds, they have SOOOO many other places to nest in my yard.