Purple Martin Story 

Dr. Pam Hunt, NH Audubon's Avian Conservation Biologist, sent this martin story [that 
appeared on the VT Birds listserve] along to me as I'm the volunteer Purple Martin 
Landlord for the Plum Island colony.

 
Here's the link:
http://www.npr.org/2014/12/04/368324785/the-mystery-of-the-missing-martins


Here's the information on how one can adopt a gourd on Plum Island:


2015 ADOPT A GOURD PROGRAM - PURPLE MARTINS OF PLUM ISLAND 

Adopt one or more Purple Martin gourds for the 2015 breeding season. These birds at Plum Island have been 
studied and monitored for years. Adoption fees are $40/gourd. Purple Martin gourd adoptions would make great 
gifts for members of your family or friends this holiday season.
With each adoption of a Purple Martin gourd for the 2015 breeding season, you will receive:
  • A photo of your gourd,
  • As the season progresses, updates via email on breeding biology at the colony ~ nest building, egg laying, 
  • hatching and fledgling activities, 
  • A final tally of the colony's reproductive success,
  • An invitation to renew your adoption the following year.
Your adoption allows you to:
  • Partake in a scheduled round of nest checks with a Purple Martin landlord,
  • Know that you are helping provide housing for this human-dependent songbird.
Please make your check out to Friends of Parker River and mail your adoption fee to Sue McGrath, 44 Moulton St.,
Newburyport, MA, 01950. 
The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting
the conservation of the natural resources of the Refuge and fostering public understanding and appreciation of the Refuge.


With best wishes,
Sue