Tim Francis installs a new martin house with the help of Lena Gallitano.

Wake Audubon Society has declared 2007 to be the "Year of the Purple Martin." These fascinating birds are in the swallow family and depend mostly on humans to provide their nest sites, as the huge, standing dead trees they used to nest in have been mostly removed. They nest in colonies, sometimes HUGE colonies, in special houses provided to them by humans. Martins are migratory, spending their winters in South America and breeding here in the U.S. They are considered an asset to humans as they consume a great number of insects, including "pests" such as flies, stinkbugs, Japanese beetles, wasps, flying ants, and ballooning spiders.

Wake Audubon chose the Purple Martin as its first "Bird of the Year" to highlight the special needs of the species. Martins' natural nesting sites have mostly been destroyed, so they depend upon humans to provide appropriate housing for them. They have adapted very well to these man-made homes and are wonderfully tolerant of humans. While martins are not currently endangered, they have, in the past, been listed as a species of Special Concern. Many of us at Wake Audubon hold a special place in our hearts for this wonderful birds. We hope you will join us in celebrating this unique species, and we invite you to learn more about them and how you can help make sure their numbers do not again decline.

Learn more about the Purple Martin