Intentionally Destroying the Nashville Roost

[MJM]

Almost too unbelievable to believe... until you apply it to today's world. The Nashville Symphony is literally destroying 41 mature trees to stop the purple martin roost from being on their property. Their reasoning? Because it apparently cost them $60,000 to clean up the poop. Aside from the birds themselves... to just chop down 41 mature trees in downtown Nashville... unbelievable.

Seems to me Nashville could spare $60,000 and try to turn it into a tourist attraction or even have a concert dedicated to classical bird-inspired songs like Le Chant des Oiseaux or Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’. But to devastate the natural space to stop a natural migration is utterly mindboggling to me.

https://wpln.org/post/no-encore-nashvil ... -roosting/

[Whippy]

It'll cost them a couple thousand dollars or more to remove the trees then plant new ones later. Why not spend a few hundred dollars and lay tarps down that can be rolled up and thrown away when the Martins leave? If tarps won't work for them lay down mulch or straw that can be easily removed. Rope the area off to prevent the scattering of the materials by foot traffic and call it a temporary nature preserve area for when the Martins are there. Turn it into a celebration rather than a hinderance.

If this is in your area why not make that suggestion?

Everybody has to have drastic reaction to the littlest things.

Problem is, you can't fix stupid. But I hope you can in this situation.

Coolwhips

[brent]

That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Horrific. What a shame. I thought our martins are federally protected. Where is the PMCA? The National Wildlife Federation? Audubon Society? Frustrating. Brent
PS I edited this at least 3 times because I’m so angry about it. But really, with all the wildlife organizations and associations, etc. this should not be happening. They should thank God that elephants don’t fly.

[C.C.Martins]

Reading the article they said the birds selected that spot after their last roosting spot was removed. Some sympathy. Rediculous. Martins are better off in some wall mart parking lot trees, at least they will be safer.

[Jones4381]

SAD. I'm guessing 98% of the Nashville Population and a majority of the city leadership has little to no understanding of this roost and its purpose. As is most cases, Education and popular support are the keys to reversing this decision. In the meantime, I agree with Brent that a national organization must step in and file a court injunction while the education and popular support can take effect and be led from grassroots until you have a least 1 councilman/woman convinced of the potential profit in it for the city. Great idea on tourist attraction too and or a celebration by MJM and Whippy (great ideas that could grow in popular support just needs financial backing from someone or an org. to enact).

My guess is the complaints were coming in due to Alfred Hitchcock movies and excrement, then city council saw a political opportunistic move to justify savings with the increase in their popularity with the masses due to the less educated that perceives this event as a negative vs a positive... EDUCATE

PS. There are alot of us 'planet warriors' out there that protect trees too...don't forget about the trees...maybe be an easier path to protect both trees and the martins in a process like this...brings in multiple groups with specific passions and doubles/triples the effort. Good luck. Rod

[birdman in buckhead]

The Symphony needs to be "woke" to the purpose and benefit of the roost, but it's too late at this point. Or maybe they are already "woke" and decided martins did not fit their agenda. Sorry to poke fun at a sad situation, but humor is a relief mechanism for me in stressful situations.

I totally agree there were much better solutions than destroying trees and the roost. $60K for cleanup seems completely bogus. What did they do? Daily cleaning jobs? If I lived there I would volunteer my time. Why not rope the area off and reroute pedestrian traffic until birds are gone?

Anyway, it's done. Hopefully the birds find a place to gather that doesn't offend ignorant humans.

[BioJoe]

The PMCA has been in contact with the involved parties since the beginning of the conflict in 2020 and helped to create the plan to raise funds for cleaning.

At this point, the symphony is no longer willing to tolerate the roost. Their concern is rooted in potential damage to their new limestone façade from acidic droppings and subsequent power washing. At present there is no legal protection for Purple Martin roost locations at times of year when the martins are not actively roosting. Although we had hoped that there would be a symbiotic relationship between the symphony and the roost, that is not possible. Removing the trees completely is the only sure way to make sure the roost moves and is certainly preferable to harassment techniques during the roosting season to force relocation.

We dreamed of a situation with an orchestra playing to the sight of martins swirling, but we understand the right of the property owners to make decisions in their own perceived best interest.

Let's all hope that the martins move to a new location where they are both welcomed and that the public is able to enjoy their natural roosting behavior. A roost truly is a wondrous sight.

[brent]

Thanks BioJoe. It's good to see that PMCA was involved. Great summary of your efforts.. I'm happy to be a member. To a previous poster please remember that this forum is not red or blue but purple. Brent

[Dave Reynolds]

..... That is the DUMBEST thing I have every heard.... Cut down trees so the birds don't have a place to rest... Crazy People....

Dave

[MJM]

Thank you BioJoe for the detailed response. Great to hear you guys gave it a go. Every story has two sides... I can see where the Symphony doesn't want their building destroyed. Still, seems like a missed opportunity.

Also, thank you for cleaning up the thread. It's amazing how politics can somehow find its way all the way down to a purple martin forum. On to the birds!

[BioJoe]

Thank you BioJoe for the detailed response. Great to hear you guys gave it a go. Every story has two sides... I can see where the Symphony doesn't want their building destroyed. Still, seems like a missed opportunity.

Also, thank you for cleaning up the thread. It's amazing how politics can somehow find its way all the way down to a purple martin forum. On to the birds!

Yep it got a little messy in here, but folks have been reminded of the rules.

As for Nashville, there's a hail mary in action right now. But, I'm not holding my breath.

[scottfreidhof]

This happens more than we know. I have seen trees removed at two roosts here in Kentucky just to get the birds to move on. Removing trees to alleviate the problem is better than the alternative. Many thanks to the PMCA staff for their leadership on these roost issues!!

[brent]

It's a shame. Brent

[Conrad Baker]

Maybe the Symphony needs to "relocate" out past the suburbs into the widely rural area so that playing their music doesn't offend those that don't care for it.

[Martintown33]

Agree Conrad!

[white-out]

Thank you BioJoe for the detailed response. Great to hear you guys gave it a go. Every story has two sides... I can see where the Symphony doesn't want their building destroyed. Still, seems like a missed opportunity.

Also, thank you for cleaning up the thread. It's amazing how politics can somehow find its way all the way down to a purple martin forum. On to the birds!

First, let me apologize for adding to the portion of this thread that needed removal.

Do you understand that politics will effect some folks providing and caring for these birds? Who's going to pay $100's for gourds or crickets and alike? We'll be lucky to care for ourselves let alone feeding and protecting our birds. I can't believe folks are content to stick their fingers in their ears and hum "oh happy days".

[TheSmiths]

First, let me apologize for adding to the portion of this thread that needed removal.

Do you understand that politics will effect some folks providing and caring for these birds? Who's going to pay $100's for gourds or crickets and alike? We'll be lucky to care for ourselves let alone feeding and protecting our birds. I can't believe folks are content to stick their fingers in their ears and hum "oh happy days".

We live in a time where we are constantly inundated with information, much of which is political and extremely divisive. The PMCA forum as well as the PMCA Facebook page are welcoming places where members can escape the barrage and focus on what we have in common, the Purple Martin. If you wish to focus on other subjects, such as politics, the avenues to do so are abundant.

As for Nashville, there's a hail mary in action right now. But, I'm not holding my breath.

How goes the Hail Mary, Joe?

[Jones4381]

Kudo's to the martins for selecting nashville to Roost. I too enjoy roosting there from time to time. Its an amazing city with a wonderful vibe. Thanks Big Joe as the vibe on this site is very similar...passionate, knowledgeable, energetic, entertaining, kind, and time to time a scuffle or two breaks out like Martins...some ruffled feathers but nothing to dramatic...Peace

[Thomabear]

First, let me apologize for adding to the portion of this thread that needed removal.

Do you understand that politics will effect some folks providing and caring for these birds? Who's going to pay $100's for gourds or crickets and alike? We'll be lucky to care for ourselves let alone feeding and protecting our birds. I can't believe folks are content to stick their fingers in their ears and hum "oh happy days".

We live in a time where we are constantly inundated with information, much of which is political and extremely divisive. The PMCA forum as well as the PMCA Facebook page are welcoming places where members can escape the barrage and focus on what we have in common, the Purple Martin. If you wish to focus on other subjects, such as politics, the avenues to do so are abundant.

As for Nashville, there's a hail mary in action right now. But, I'm not holding my breath.

How goes the Hail Mary, Joe?

The OP was punished enough, he offered an apology and this thread had the potential to move on just fine. I don’t think keeping this alive, even so subtle or unintentional is necessary and would hope this is left to die on the vine as I’m sure the forum mod intended. The OP was also ready to move on and I’m 100% in favor of showing him this respect. I don’t want to sound like a big brother and I apologize in advance it that’s how this is taken because that’s truly not my intention. I do however feel respect should always be a two way street regardless of differing views. Sorry to drift off topic, like everybody else I’m hoping the people involved in this roost issue will find common ground in the best interest of the Martins.

On edit, I didn’t mean to type OP “Original Poster”. I was half asleep typing that. Lol
My point is there is no reason to drag people through the coals. We all say things that we sometimes wish we hadn’t. We are all imperfect!

[Jones4381]

I love this string. I hope the City considers all views and makes its educated decision and the birds find their new sanctuary or coexist here whatever the decision. The String is great...bringing in disassociated politics with the issue caused the unfair derailment of an otherwise great string. Glad to hear the political activist were so warned and we can all continue following and commenting on this event. A huge thanks to the PMCA for looking after its members and the sites intent. Looking forward to future updates.