Lincoln Park is buzzing with 98 new editions to its park; purple martin nestlings! Born at the Bill Jarvis Bird and Butterfly Nature Sanctuary, 3932 N. Recreation Dr., the 98 nestlings range from 2-10 days old and come from three different purple martin houses within the same area of Lincoln Park.
“The Chicago Park District is excited to welcome the 98 purple martin nestlings to Chicago,” said Timothy J. Mitchell Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO. “As part of our commitment to nature and wildlife, we launched a purple martin conservation program in the spring of 2002 by installing 18 purple martin houses in Chicago’s parks. We are happy to see this program soar with success, thanks in large part to the dedicated volunteer landlords.”
Purple martins are the largest member of the swallow family and the only species of martin in North America. Historically, purple martins nested in natural cavities such as excavated woodpecker holes, crevices in scraggly rock faces, or cavities of old trees. Unfortunately, little suitable purple martin habitat remains in the eastern U. S. As a result these birds have come to nest almost exclusively in colonies of human-made nest boxes such as houses and gourds.
Through the program, volunteer purple martin “landlords” help monitor the health and productivity of each purple martin colony by visiting the house on a weekly basis and recording data about the colony such as:
- the arrival of purple martins in the spring,
- nest-building activities of the colony,
- number of eggs laid,
- number of young that leave the nest.
Volunteers also check for nest-site competitors and nest parasites and assist with end-of-the season cleaning and closing of the houses.
To learn more about the purple martin program, please contact the Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator at 312-742-4072.
For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 7600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26-miles of lakefront, ten museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY or 312-747-2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312-742-PLAY.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, 312-742-4786
Zvezdana Kubat, 312-742-4791
