John Picard will describe the life history of Purple Martins and the process of successfully maintaining a Purple Martin colony. Purple martins are a breed all to themselves, colonial nesters that have very interesting social structures that include competition for nest sites and mates. John will discuss the impacts of weather and predators on the martins and the importance of monitoring a nesting colony. His amazing photographs will include an up close and personal look at martin nest building and nestling development.

Menunkatuck has been working with the Orange Conservation Commission on establishing a Purple Martin colony at the Ewing Preserve.