Bringing Back the Purple Martin: An illustrated presentation
Details
The public is invited to this free illustrated presentation at 7:00pm on Thursday, June 18 at the
Shankweiler Science Building, Room 440S, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown.
Purple Martins are the largest species of swallow in North America, and in the east, they nest almost entirely in human-constructed nesting cavities. Purple Martins are unique among our cavity nesters, given that they nest colonially, or in large groups. Since 1970, Purple Martins have declined by approximately 38%, but recent conservation efforts are bringing the Purple Martin back to Pennsylvania. Particularly successful have been efforts in the Greater Lehigh Valley, where thriving colonies of Purple Martins have recently been established in locations like Leaser Lake, Minsi Lake, Beltzville Lake and the Good Farm.
In this talk, Will Krohn, a graduate student researcher at the University of Delaware, will give an introduction to the identification and life history of Purple Martins, what is being done to help them, and the massive statewide research project that seeks to inform their conservation. A few local “Purple Martin Landlords” will be on hand to share their experiences establishing martin colonies here in the Lehigh Valley and their excitement about their colonies being part of the University of Delaware’s Purple Martin Project. Join us to learn about Purple Martins and what you can do to help these beloved birds!
Will Krohn is an M.S. student in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, studying dispersal in Purple Martins for his thesis. Will received his B.A. from Colgate University in 2023, where he double-majored in Biology and Environmental Studies. Since graduating, Will has worked as a technician on numerous avian research and conservation projects around the country, and in 2025, Will started his Master's at UD. Will is originally from Bucks County, PA, and he is an avid birder. In his free time, Will also enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and anything else that gets him out in nature.