An interesting event is coming to Central Virginia on June 25. It’s the 22nd Annual Purple Martin Field Day to be held on the Wood farm in the Green Springs District of Louisa County – known locally as “The Bird Sanctuary” where the Wood family maintains habitat and nesting assistance for numerous bird species including bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, barn owls, kestrel falcons and others.
Also on the Wood farm is a purple martin colony where 130 pair nested last summer. That many or perhaps more are nesting there this year.
Purple martin colonies are not easy to establish, maintain or protect. Starlings and house sparrows vie for the nesting boxes and raids from owls, snakes, raccoons and other predators add to the purple martin chick fatality. At the Purple Martin Field Day, guests will see first hand how to establish and maintain a successful colony.
There is no charge to attend the event, which begins at 11 AM. Bring lawn chairs, binoculars note pads and lunch, perhaps, but no pets are allowed.
For more information go to www.purplemartinfieldday.org or call Ron Kingston at 434-962-8232.