Photo by Chris Bosak
Purple Martins stand guard on their gourd homes in Milford, Conn., May 2014.

Here’s a shot I took of a Purple Martin pair a few weeks ago keeping watch at their gourd as part of the colony at Milford Point. Purple Martin colonies are excellent for insect control in people’s yards, but the conditions need to be just right to attract them.

On the East Coast, Purple Martins are completely dependent upon human-offered housing.

Check out this website for more information on attracting them.

PurpleMartin.org