Purple Martin Experts Dennis and Loretta Sitter 1

Chris Mackler for Out Here Magazine

I recently shot a second story for the Spring edition of Out Here Magazine on a couple known for their experience in attracting and keeping the fickle purple martin birds.

Dennis and Loretta Sitter, of Jonesboro, Ill., have been attracting purple martins for “about 8 years, or off and on for 20 years.” The Sitters are part of one million North Americans who set up the unique purple martin “condos” in their yards each year, but are one of the few who have learned how to keep the fickle birds returning year after year. To ensure the return of the birds year after year, Loretta Sitter says, “be patient and be willing to move [condo] locations.” Successful purple martin landlords must also be vigilant of competing birds and species. “Never allow any other species of bird to settle or nest in a martin house, not even desirable birds,” says Loretta Sitter. After the purple martin season ends in early August, the bird houses have to be de-nested to insure the birds will return for the following season in March.

~ Chris Mackler
chris@macklermedia.com