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Posted by John Tautin on 18:37:42 07/13/06
Dear Audubon Colleague:
We are writing to ask your help in conserving roosting habitat for the
Purple Martin (Progne subis), a familiar species that breeds in North
America, migrates through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and
winters in South America.
Prior to migration from North America, and during the wintering period
in
South America, Purple Martins form large communal roosts where they
sleep at
night. In North America, these roosts typically are associated with
larger
water bodies. Reed beds or islands with low, thick brush are commonly
used.
They provide sanctuary from predators and a micro-environment warmer and
less windy than land roosts which can also form in clumps of trees in
urban
and suburban settings. Martins also roost on man-made structures,
particularly bridges over water.
Regardless of their location or associated problems and/or
opportunities,
martin roosts are critically important to the annual life cycle and
ecology
of Purple Martins. The Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA) has
developed Project MartinRoost to locate, protect and promote Purple
Martin
roosts in North and South America. Project MartinRoost relies on
volunteers
to verify and report martin roosts via the PMCA web site at
http://www.purplemartin.org/roost/
You can help promote Project MartinRoost by forwarding this message to
individuals and organizations that may know of martin roosts and be
willing
to document them. Please forward the message to ornithologists, bird
clubs, nature societies and other conservation organizations that you
are
acquainted with. Encourage them to visit the PMCA web site
(http://www.purplemartin.org/roost/) for details on how they can
Participate in Project MartinRoost.
Thank you for your help with the conservation of Purple Martins.
Sincerely,
--
John Tautin
Purple Martin Conservation Association
Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Ste. 6
Erie, PA 16505 USA
Email: jtautin@purplemartin.org
Phone: (814) 833-7656
Fax: (814) 833-2451
Web: http://purplemartin.org"
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