Adopt a Purple Martin Gourd

Martins perching. Photo © Frank Mantlik

Play a direct role in conservation by adopting a Purple Martin gourd!

Your adoption will help maintain the structures and support the staff effort to monitor and clean the nests each week — essential tasks for protecting Purple Martins.

Supporting the colony also makes a great gift for members of your family or friends!

Here’s what supporters of the project are saying:

“CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE CARING FOR OUR PURPLE MARTIN COLONY!  HOW EGGCITING!!  AND HOW PRECIOUS ARE THOSE NEWLY HATCHED🐣BABIES!🐣🐦

“THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS AND KEEPING US INFORMED ON THEIR PROGRESS!!  NATURE IS THE BEST!!

Bev”

” Thank you! It is wonderful to see the terrific report and photos. Really appreciate all your hard work!
Carol D.”

Purple Martins have declined in many areas nationwide, including Connecticut and New England. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, competition with invasive House Sparrows and Starlings for nesting space, and pesticides poisoning their food supply, are contributors to their decline. They are considered a Threatened Species in Connecticut.

The team at work checking, cleaning and keeping records at the colony. Photo © Frank Mantlik

Purple Martins are completely dependent on human-made structures, either boxes or gourds, for their survival. Our colony is one of the largest in Connecticut, and last year we had 91 chicks fledge!

When you adopt a gourd, a numbered gourd will be assigned to you. A paper gourd with your name (or a name you indicate on the registration) will be hung in the windows at the Coastal Center.

Purple Martin supporters receive weekly updates about the gourds, the status of the nests being built in them and a copy of the end-of-season report.