Purple Martins at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin July 11, 2015

I did some birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning and it was very quiet. The highlight of the morning was at Lakeshore State Park where Purple Martins were checking out the one and only Purple Martin house. The Purple Martins were also defending the house from Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows while I was there. Were the Purple Martins checking it out for next spring?? I don’t know. I heard mentioned the house has never been used before by Purple Martins there at the park so it will be interesting to see if something becomes of this next spring. A few images here of the Purple Martins in flight and checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park. If I have any of the birds mislabeled please let me know, thank you. Images were taken on July 11, 2015.

Purple Martin

Binomial name: Progne subis

Category: Swallows

Size: 8” long, 18” wing span

Weight: 2 oz

Purple Martin, adults male and female with juvenile

Purple Martin, adult male

Purple Martin, adult male

Purple Martin, adult male

Purple Martin, adults male and female with juvenile?

Purple Martin, adult female

Purple Martin, adult male

Purple Martin, juvenile

Purple Martin, adult