Purple Martins Up from South America

Purple Martins have arrived from South America, where they over-winter in Brazil, Bolivia, and parts of Peru. 

These birds prefer communal nesting apartments, and these versions at a local Audubon Sanctuary are plastic knock-offs of the hollow white gourds that have traditionally been hung from poles and cross pieces. 

This Audubon sanctuary has serious anti-predator devices on all their nest boxes to keep out or discourage hawks, raccoons, snakes, possums, and even squirrels.