Adopt a Purple Martin Gourd for the 2019 Nesting Season

The Coastal Center at Milford Point is one of the largest of the 30 monitored Purple Martin colonies in the state. For Purple Martins, conservation efforts are essential. The birds build nests only in man-made houses — often plastic or natural gourds. Your adoption of a Purple Martin gourd will greatly aid our citizen science efforts. Coastal Center volunteers monitor and maintain the nests throughout the April to August season, which helps the nestlings survive and fledge at a higher rate.

With each adoption there will be:

• A numbered, paper cut-out gourd, including your chosen name, to be hung inside at the Center. A matching numbered gourd will be placed outside for the Purple Martins.
• Weekly updates will be sent as the season progresses (via email) of the gourds that have nests being built in them.
• A copy of the end of season report.

By adopting a Purple Martin gourd, you will be helping to provide housing for this human-dependent songbird. Purple Martin gourd adoptions also make great gifts for members of your family or friends! A limited amount of gourds are available. Adoption fees are $50 per gourd. Click here to adopt your gourd today!