Jacobs Birdhouse Company - Using the original designs of Warren Jacobs (1868 – 1947) who was a self-taught ornithologist and oologist. After nearly half a century, the Jacobs Birdhouse Company is again producing birdhouses to the original designs of J. Warren Jacobs. Located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania it is one of the top Martin Houses available with over 100 years of tradition and quality.
The Purple Martin Conservation Association - Established in 1986 the organization is devoted exclusively to the scientific study of Purple Martin, their biology, and habitat requirements. Visit this site for research, education, and other information on products for martins.
The Purple Martin Society, NA - This website is dedicated to Purple Martin Landlords, past, present, and future.
Birding.com - General Information on the Purple Martin for Bird Watchers
Purple Martin WebCam - From New York Wild this cam features a colony located on the shore of Lake Ontario
If you have a link of interest please email our webmaster at Rockforge@aol.com
Interesting Purple Martin Facts
Native Americans used dried gourds for the Purple Martins to nest. They hung the gourds on poles long before Europeans arrived in North America. you may see a copy of this depicted in a print at the Mason-Dixon Park cabin.
Though the term "scout" is often used for the first returning Purple Martins, they are actually older martins returning to areas where they nested before. Martins migrating north to breed for the first time arrive several weeks later. This is a common occurrence in older migratory birds.
The Purple Martin gets all its food and water in flight. It captures insects in the air and skims the surface of water using its lower bill as a scoop.
Among birds that use nest boxes the Purple Martin is unique. While several pairs will nest in a single box with multiple compartments, one male will defend multiple nests within the box.
The Purple Martin is the largest of the North American swallows. In eastern North America it has nested almost exclusively in nest boxes for more than 100 years.
- Large swallow; medium-sized songbird.
- Male entirely bluish-black.
- Wingspan: 39-41 cm (15-16 in)
- Weight: 45-60 g (1.59-2.12 ounces)
Inter-active discussion on Purple Martins & Purple Martin Housing
Speak with professionals in the field on attracting and caring for Purple Martins, Discuss Purple Martin House construction with Bly Blystone of the Jacobs Birdhouse Company, and learn what it takes to be a Purple Martin Landlord first-hand from Bob Ammons; Mason-Dixon Park's resident Landlord.
Banding the Purple Martin to Follow Migration
Banding of the Mason-Dixon Park birds by the Ralph Bell Family* - Licensed Bird Banders. Watch the care involved in banding the Purple Martins first hand. Learn the importance of accurately tracking already banded birds and how to record them.
Cleaning of the Martin House to Prevent Parasites
Learn how to be a responsible Purple Martin Landlord and the importance keeping a clean house plays in the conservation of the Purple Martin.
Family Fun & Learning
As with all of our Festivals there will be a variety of other great things to enjoy. Vendors will be offering some great food, Artisans & Crafters will be selling their wares, and plenty of family entertainment throughout the day.
Don't forget to register for the free door prizes donated by our crafters. As always admission and door prize registration is completely free.
Bob Ammons - Park Volunteer & Purple Martin Landlord
On June 30th the Mason-Dixon Historical Park will hold its 3rd Annual Purple Martin Festival co-sponsored by Jacobs Birdhouse Company.
Each year the Purple Martins return to their home here at the Park. And each year the care of the birds is managed by professionals in the field. Learn more about this fabulous bird, our conservation efforts, and how you can welcome a colony to your home.
Visit the French and Indian War period before America became its own nation; talk with members of the Colonial Militia struggling for independence. Celebrate the successful trapping season at the yearly rendezvous through the fur trade legacy of the Mountain men and experience the brother against brother battles of the American Civil War all in one amazing weekend!
Join Mason-Dixon Historical Park for a walk through history at the 25th Annual Frontier Festival.
Be a part of America's rich history during our Silver Anniversary!
Mark Our Future Events on Your Calendar
DIRECTIONS
1. Take I-79 to Exit 1, Mount Morris, PA.
2. Follow Buckeye Road for 1.5 miles to Creek Road.
3. Turn right onto Creek Road and join the festivities approximately 1/2 mile from the turnoff.
Unless you live in the local area Interstate 79 is the fastest way to get to the Mason-Dixon Historical Park. Exit I-79 at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania.
Mount Morris is just North of Morgantown, West Virginia and about 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh.
Brown, C. R. 1997. Purple Martin (Progne subis). In The Birds of North America, No. 287 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.
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