This month we are excited to introduce Craig Young and his father-in-law, Russle, as the September Landlord Spotlight.
Craig Young lives in Culter Bay, Florida.
How did you get involved with Purple Martins?
My father-in-law put up this house over 15 years ago. I take it down and clean it every year. The house faces a canal and the birds love it.
My in-laws Russle & Margery Neace liked birds. While getting supplies for their parrots the manager at the local aviary store told them about Purple Martins. Russle aka Grandpa (as he is now known) was intrigued and immediately brought a Purple Martin house, assembled it himself, and hoisted it in his backyard. That was 35 years ago. Purple Martins have returned every year!!
The bird house is located about 20 feet from a beautiful canal attached to the fence in perfect view from our back porch. We take it down each hurricane season and every spring we get to experience the joy and amazement of seeing Purple Martins find their way back to this simple 12 unit house. Six units facing the canal and six units facing the house.
My wife loves to talk to the birds each season, waiting first for the scouts in February. These birds love their landlords and will often chatter in return. We watch the process of the martins building their nests while waiting for the fledgling to fly.
Grandpa is now 96 years old and came up with the idea of adding a second house for the next generation. We are looking forward to having two large houses up by next season.
What is your favorite thing about Purple Martins?
Every year we are amazed how the scouts find this little house every year. Watching the birds and listening to them is a wonderful experience.
How did your 2022 Season go?
This year we have three pairs two on the canal side and one on house side.
If you are a landlord and want to share your story, please email [email protected].