Purple Martins

Purple Martins are listed as a species of Special Concern and are closely monitored. They eat insects, and due to pesticides causing a decrease in insect numbers and also because of habitat loss, the effect on purple martins has had an impact on their population.

Martins make a 5,000-mile flight twice a year between their nesting sites in North America and their wintering habitat in South America. 'Landlords' who own Purple Martin houses keep a close watch for their return each spring.

Purple Martins are the only bird species in eastern North America that is totally dependent on humans for supplying it with nesting sites. They nest in colonies, and even after nesting season is over they roost together at night. A friend has a Martin house and spends a lot of time care taking. She lowers it once a week to inspect that all is well and remove any unwanted nests.

Purple Martin's are a joy to have around, they delight us with musical chatter and deliver amazing aerial stunts.

I love watching the birds in flight swooping and performing their acrobatics.