Purple Martin Mania program June 23 at Horicon Marsh
HORICON, Wis. - People can learn more about the purple martin -- the largest swallow found in Wisconsin - at a Purple Martin Mania program at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.
Purple martins now rely solely on artificial houses in the eastern part of the country, according to Liz Herzmann, Department of Natural Resources wildlife educator at Horicon. Attendees will learn more about the lives of these fascinating birds and have you an opportunity to open purple martin houses to see what wonders lie inside.
The Purple Martin Mania program will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 23 at Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. No registration is required and the program is free to the public. All ages are welcome.
"We'll spend a short period of time discussing the life history of the purple martin and explaining why the species is in decline. Then, we will visit the purple martin houses at the education center, crank them down and check the compartments," Herzmann said. "Purple martins will bring green leaves and grasses into their box when they are ready to lay eggs so we will count how many eggs or young are in the nests. It's a great chance to see these unique birds up close and personal!"
The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located between the towns of Horicon and Mayville on Highway 28. For more information search the DNR website for keyword "Horicon Marsh," and then click on the link for "Education program." A detailed list of Horicon special events is available on the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center website atwww.horiconmarsh.org or by calling 920-387-7893.