ay T HeE] A’ U_D/(U BOGAN, JBSU VL ie ae 
Purple Martins in Blue Island 
By Karu E. BARTEL 
THE PURPLE MARTIN population of Blue Island in 1945 got by, as one would 
say, by the skin of its teeth; the fact is that the increase was but one pair. 
This year 17 martin “fans” had more pairs of birds nesting than last 
year, 11 lost nesting pairs from last year, and two who had no birds nesting 
last year had some this year. I believe the increase could have been larger, 
but due to the war effort the normal interest was lacking. 
1945 is the tenth consecutive year that I have conducted this purple 
martin survey in Blue Island. The following comparison covering that 
period shows the gradual increase in population: 
Year Total pairs Locations Year Total pairs Locations 
1936 193 29 1942 305 40 
1937 151 28 1943 287 36 
1938 212 29 1944 330 a0 
1939 2b 2 OL 1945 Sek 36 
1940 266 35 —— —- 
1941 292 38 TOTAL 2,619 Ba1 
The fluctuation in the number of nesting pairs at the various locations 
is of interest and is shown in this list of those who have erected martin 
houses: 
1943 1944 1945 1948 1944 1945 
Mr: Fritsche. 4... 4 3 4 Mr.. Max May... 19 21 23 
Mr. Sonnenschein 20 18 20 Mr. Geo. Krizik.. 2 Z 0 
MrsePhitter™ = .. 22 6 2 Mr. J..Pahlke7 sae 3 ee 
Mrs Collveree. .:. WZ Gi 9 Mr. G. Groskopf. 2 6 8 
Mr. J. Jebens... 16 12 18 Mr. E. Borchardt 0 6 2 
Mr. Burmeister . 7 , 8 Mr. O. Sauerbier. 0 Baer 
Mie Jet olcal7mer aso 4 6 Mr. E. Kistner... 4 10 14 
Mr. Bill Jebens.. 30 29 25 Mr. Huffman. ee 0 0 
Mr. O. Bueter .. 7 6 3 Mr.. Mueller ....-2 22 24 
Mr. Wm. Schmidt 3 3 3 Mr; -Berver face 15 19 7 
Mr: Fleicher) =.=, 15 9 bil Mrs. G. Roll..... 0 0 1 
Mrs. Meehan ... 16 16 16 Mrs. Meyer 4 8 6 
Mre Jepsen] 4-5... 16 hey 16 Mr. Fredette 3 3 3 
Mr. F. Gerdes .. 8 2 ah Mr. Luthermann. 9 hia aR 
Mr. E. Morrone. 2 4 4 Mr. Holstiens®) eee bh 6 
Mroillerhkeua. se 22 2 2 Mr. EK. Wittie. 35 6 6 
Mr. Al. Jebens .. 14 13 9 Mr. Wittie (Gar.) 0 6 Sa 
Mr. Al. Habenicht 6 0 2 Dr. Vloedman... 3 0 0 
Mra RavA-eFishers 5 ff 10 Mr. F. Grebner.. 2 13 13 
Mr Moe Kenny. 2.912 12 12 
fi ft 
NATURE when left to herself is harmonious ; man makes discords, or harmony 
of another order.—John Burroughs. 
