While performing a routine survey of the purple Martin houses at The Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows Preserve, our stewardship staff grabbed this awesome footage of some newly hatched chicks. In New Jersey, purple Martins nest almost exclusively in man-made structures, like bird houses or nesting gourds. The South Cape May Meadows Preserve has two purple Martin houses that provide space for 28 nests. TNC's Cape May land stewards conduct routine surveys of the houses to track the clut

🪺 Purple Martins are coming—are you ready for nesting season? If your colony needs more housing, consider the Excluder Gourd! This opaque, UV-protected gourd maintains ideal light and temperature conditions. Each Excluder Gourd comes with a heavy-duty porch, extending both in and out of the opening. Multiple starling-resistant entrance options are available for the safety of your colony! 🛒 Find this and so much more at the Martin Market Place®! www.purplemartin.org/shop #PurpleMartin #Featured

🏡 Were your Purple Martin houses and gourds full this nesting season? Or are you a hoping to start a new Purple Martin colony for next year? Now is the perfect time to plan any housing changes or additions for next year! 💻 Have questions on when and how to choose housing? Visit our website. www.purplemartin.org/housingchange/ 🛒 Every purchase supports critical conservation work! Shop for Purple Martin housing and so much more at our online store. www.purplemartin.org/shop/ #PurpleMartin #Bird