Trial Set to Hear This

[roymg1]

This is a case to be heard in New Orleans about Purple Martin neighborhood housing causing a nuisance.
You will have to search the full article to get the whole story.

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HARAHAN, La. — A longtime bird enthusiast’s backyard colony has sparked a feud over droppings, ordinances, and neighborhood tensions, with supporters planning to wear purple as the case is heard Wednesday.

It's a nuisance case that has neighbors not talking, the internet complaining, and people making sure they have something purple to wear. Now, those for and against letting a senior citizen keep his Purple Martin bird houses in his backyard are headed to court. Here’s what so many are squawking about.

[SoIndyDon]

The issue for all of us to consider is what is the appropriate size of a colony. Is it a size that attracts persistent predators , excessive competitors, or complaints.
For me 32 gourds in a country setting is the right number. I have none of the three listed problems. Right sizing is necessary for the birds and the impacted human neighbors.
From following this story, I've learned the martin host had over 150 gourds attracting up to 300 adults then adding 750 fledglings. This must overwhelm a suburban lot.
Can we talk about situational moderation?

[roymg1]

Yes, I agree. You have to tender to where you are located before deciding on the colony size hoped for. However, they can't relocate these birds at this point, later yes something can be done. It will be interesting to see Audubon's input as these birds are protected because they are migratory.

[SoIndyDon]

"However, they can't relocate these birds at this point, later yes something can be done."
I absolutely agree with your statement. My first and strongest reaction to the story was being upset with the neighbors and home owners association. The colony owner has extended cooperation and offered compensation like washing all the neighbors cars for the time the martin are present (even though I suspect it's not the martins droppings).
But I mulled over how this situation developed. Early and ongoing discussion and old fashion neighborliness is needed by all involved.

[Dave Reynolds]

... A very large colony could be a mess in a tight neighborhood. Scaling down would be my guess.. 300 Adult Martins can be a bit noisy during the nesting and fledging times.. Good Luck..

Dave