Purple martins at Williamson Library

Seen a purple martin lately? Not sure?

Friends of the Williamson Free Public Library will help to clarify the subject. Joyce Leimberger, purple martin expert, will speak at their Program Sandwiched In on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Purple martins are the largest member of the swallow family in North America. Martins, like all swallows, are aerial insectivores. They eat only flying insects, which they catch in flight.

Their diet is diverse, including flies, midges, leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, June bugs, grasshoppers, cicadas, wasps, and flying ants. They're handy neighbors to have around. Over one million North Americans put up housing for purple martins. Once martins nest at your location, they will come back every year if you manage the site properly.

Leimberger, a member of the Purple Martin Association, will share secrets to attracting and maintaining a martin community in your own yard.

The program begins at noon in the Community Room of the Williamson library and is free and open to all. An optional lunch is available by making a reservation at 589.2048 by 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18.

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