Purple Martins of Connecticut
TEMJ 20441 - International Bird Day, Purple Martin, Sharon Audubon Center, Marvelwood, Purple Martin Conservation Association, MOTUS towers, Citizen Science, Emily Winthrop Miles Audubon Sanctuary
Greetings Fellow Earthmonks,
Welcome to the EarthMonk Journal, your passport to the extraordinary stories of place, people and nature's wonders!
Today, on International Bird Day, we embark on a thrilling expedition into the world of the Purple Martin, the beloved songbird adorning the skies of Connecticut. Our journey begins at the Sharon Audubon Center, where the daredevils of the avian world come to life in breathtaking displays. From there, we'll soar with the students of Marvelwood School, delve into the conservation efforts of Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA), and uncover the cutting-edge technology of MOTUS towers that track their migration.
Join us as we traverse landscapes of discovery, guided by curiosity, and fueled by passion for the wild. And don't miss the opportunity to engage in citizen science, contributing to the preservation of our natural heritage. So grab your metaphorical backpack and embark on an unforgettable adventure with us. The EarthMonk Journal awaits your eager spirit!
International Migratory Bird Day
International Bird Day, also known as World Migratory Bird Day, is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about bird conservation and the importance of protecting avian habitats. It's typically observed on the second Saturday in May in the United States and Canada. This year, it was held on Saturday, May 11th, 2024 or the day before mother’s day.
Early in the morning a group of woodland managers met Eileen Felding, Director of the Sharon Audubon Center at the Emily Winthrop Miles Audubon Sanctuary. Eileen gave us a personal tour of the sanctuary. At the sanctuary we spotted a variety of migratory and resident bird species and learned about their behaviors and habitat.
Upon finishing the tour of the sanctuary, Eileen offered to give us a tour of the Sharon Audubon Center. So a small group of us convoyed over together to meet up at the center.
Given the Sharon Audubon Center's dedication to environmental education and conservation, they had special activities planned for the day. Their International Bird Day event emphasized the importance of preserving bird habitats, mitigating threats to bird populations, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of avian species.
There were several activities being held at the Sharon Audubon Center aimed at engaging bird enthusiasts of all ages. These included guided bird talks led by experienced birders. A representative from the Xerces Society (intervebrate conservation) presented beneficial insects, and information on pollinators. There were also presentations on topics such as the Marvelwood School’s Purple Martin project and their migration patterns and conservation efforts. Additionally, there was a tent featuring native plants for pollinators. Moreover, the bee was declared the most important living being on the planet and participants learned how to create habitats for ‘stem-nesting bees’. I took a stem-nest home with me.
Overall, the International Bird Day event at Sharon Audubon Center served as a valuable opportunity to connect people with nature, inspire conservation action, and celebrate the wonder of birds and their remarkable journeys across the globe.
Purple Martin
One of the birds we observed at the sanctuary was the Purple Martin, scientifically known as Progne subis. It is a striking bird characterized by its vibrant purple-blue plumage, forked tail, and agile flight. Among North American swallows, it stands out as one of the largest species, measuring between 7.5 to 8.5 inches (19 to 22 cm) in length with a wingspan of about 15 inches (38 cm). Despite its relatively small size, adult Purple Martins typically weigh between 1.6 to 2.1 ounces (45 to 60 grams), making them sturdy fliers.
In terms of diet, Purple Martins are voracious insectivores, primarily preying on flying insects such as beetles, flies, (but NOT mosquitoes) and dragonflies. They showcase remarkable aerial hunting skills, deftly capturing their prey mid-flight with precision and agility.
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