The purple martin is a swallow species that, in the eastern United States, depends almost wholly on manmade birdhouses to survive. Sadly, loss of habitat and other factors are shrinking populations in Michigan.
If you have open space for its flying needs or live along a lake or stream, you might enjoy investing a bit of time managing your own colony this summer. You can help ensure the continuation of this fascinating bird species.
Penny Briscoe, local expert with more than 25 years of experience as a martin landlord and citizen scientist, will host “How to be a Good Purple Martin Landlord” from 9 a.m. to noon on March 14 at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
The workshop will address how to acquire and install suitable housing, prepare nests for spring arrival and perform regular nest checks to ensure survival of young birds. Briscoe will also share useful online resources and discuss recording and submitting data for regional and national citizen science projects. The workshop includes a hands-on nest-building portion at the Sanctuary’s Purple Martin gourd rack. Please dress for the weather.
The workshop is $35 for first registrant and $15 for the second. Member discount price is $25 for first registrant and $15 for the second. Each participant will receive an information packet. Pre-registration is required by March 6. To register, call (269) 671-2510.