Neighbor News
CT Audubon Coastal Center Adopt-a-Gourd program
CT Audubon Coastal Center Purple Martin colony is the 3rd largest in the state!
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.
Purple Martins are completely dependent on human-made structures, either boxes or gourds, for their survival. Our colony is the third largest in Connecticut, and last year we had the most successful year with 170 chicks fledging!
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.
