During the Greenwich-Stamford Summer Bird Count, I discovered 6 Purple Martins in a private yard in Riverside. Yesterday, I went to check to see if any remained, and found 2 nesting pairs. One pair nesting in the martin house and one pair nesting in a gourd hanging just below the house. This is very encouraging and hopefully signals the beginning of a new colony. While martin houses are pricey, there are plastic gourds that are inexpensive, obviously work well and are a good alternative to the houses. I encourage anyone interested, and with some open space near water to put up a martin house or gourds to help this species which has been in decline for some time. I'm going to try and see if a martin house could be set up at the Riverside Yacht Club. >From Meredith Sampson: 6/19 - Riverside, private yard near Riverside Yacht Club: 4 PURPLE MARTINS actively nesting. ____________________________________________________________ Sweepstakes!!! Enter for your chance to WIN one of hundreds of daily prizes. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7UnnbVvDjasacuKlezF6HAqr9B1z3EAkleWL0W426a00jq3/