Purple Martin Hatchlings at Sherwood Island

Tina Green lowers the Purple Martin gourds to check the nests. Photo courtesy of Juliet Balian

Purple Martins are among the at-risk bird species whose plight can be improved with well-planned bird houses, as we noted last year in our Connecticut State of the Birds 2013 report.

Milan Bull, our senior director of science and education, has been working with Friends of Sherwood Island, in Westport, to establish a colony this year at Sherwood Island State Park, on the shores of Long Island Sound.

Yesterday, Tina Green, one of Connecticut more indefatigable birders and a board member of the Friends of Sherwood Island, emailed a short and encouraging report, with photos, to her colleagues on the Friends’ board. Here’s what she wrote:

“I found the first Purple Martin hatchlings this afternoon while checking the gourds at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Purple Martins are a reality at the park due to the help, support, and generosity of Miley Bull, senior director of science and conservation at the Connecticut Audubon Society. I hope you will stop by and see our new residents.”

We’re glad to hear the colony is succeeding! You can view more of Juliet Balian’s photos on Connecticut Audubon Society’s Facebook page.