Purple Martins return to Outer Banks
Published April 21, 2008 by Sabrina GordonThe purple martin is returning to coastal North Carolina for the 2008 summer season. Last year’s fledglings, which will be this year’s first-year birds should be arriving sometime beginning in April into May. People who have had nesting houses in past seasons should open them now for the 2008 season.
The Coastal Carolina Purple Martin Society made some important milestones in the 2007 season. The Manns Harbor bridge has some 100,000 purple martins roost there after their young learn to fly. Last year flashing warning signs and a lowered speed limit on the western part of the bridge were installed to help protect the birds. Also new information panels have been installed at a popular summer viewing area near the western terminus of the bridge so viewers can understand the bird’s behavior and biology.
If you would like to become a landlord for the purple martins, nest houses, related equipment and more information is available at local birding supply stores and on the website maintained by the Purple Martin Conservation Association at purplemartin.org.
The Coastal Carolina Purple Martin Society has a schedule of upcoming events which include:
May 5 Walter B. Stasavich Science and Nature Center Bird Club, Greenville, 7:30p.m.
May 10 International Migratory Bird Day program at Roanoke Island Festival Park.
The CCMPS is accepting new members and if you would like to assist with the purple martins and join please contact CCPMS at purlpemartinroost@gmail.com. You may also mail them at P.O. Box 172, Manns Habor, NC 27953. You can also call them at (252)394-6205.
Enter Your Comments Below
