Purple Martins Rely on Human 'Landlords' to Provide Nest Boxes Each Spring. Can That Dynamic Last?

We’re in the full flush of spring. Here on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, signs of renewal abound, including winged arrivals from Espírito Santo, Brazil: the ravenous and ravishing purple martins. I, too, am feeling revived. In addition to the usual milestone—a birthday, my 60th—spring brings something else: the second anniversary of having survived a major health crisis that nearly cost me my life. Short of a swift helping hand, I wouldn’t be here today. I think the new..