Silver Lake Nature Center (SLNC) held a baby shower for their Purple Martins on Saturday at their Earthship building.
The invitations sent, the Earthship decorated, the Purple Martins nesting, even Purple Martin cookies on hand, all that was left was for the human visitors to arrive.
Coordinated by Sue Kiernan and Dawn Denner, the baby shower was held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sue Kiernan and Dawn Denner
Photo Credit: Joanne Ames
The day was beautiful in all ways. The Earthship was decorated in purple with sunshine, warm temperatures, and several adults and children all on hand for the shower.
Purple Martins Baby Shower Photo Credit: SLNC
Arriving to the Earthship, one would be greeted by SLNC’s Naturalist/ Director PattiAnn Cutter. The event quickly filled with people to see the Purple Martins, their homes and learn of them and their preparations for the births.
PattiAnn Cutter and Dawn Denner
Photo Credit: Joanne Ames
Purple Martins are a part of the swallow family. Dawn Denner, a SLNC volunteer, made it her mission to make Silver Lake a prime location for them to take up residence. Their homes, known as gourds, are on open space and near water. Denner said last spring and summer no females showed but this year both males and females showed up. Right now, there are at least two nests with eggs. Before laying their eggs, they line their nest with fresh leaves. While Denner was speaking, people were able to see one fly about getting leaves and even caught a bug in flight. These eggs are expected to hatch soon, SLNC staff said.
Purple Martins eggs
Photo Credit: SLNC
The Earthship building at SLNC has its own interesting story in itself. For those interested in the Earthship, SLNC has several free tours.
Saturday’s SLNC Purple Martins baby shower was an extremely fun-filled event while learning something about these special birds.
SLNC has so much to offer in the way of fun and educational. Click here to see what events SLNC has planned for coming months.
Purple Martins Home
Photo Credit: SLNC