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The Purple Martins in Stafford have left early this year. While we’re disappointed we won’t get to share the spectacle with you this Friday as planned, we wish the martins well on their long journey south. Instead, we’ll be taking the migration madness digital. Join us on Facebook Live to watch videos of past roosts and learn all about Purple Martins from local expert Matt Fendley. Our Education Director Mary Anne Weber will be hosting the program, along with a very special guest – Emilio the Purple Martin!

Matt will talk about the behavioral changes that have occurred in Purple Martins over hundreds-even thousands-of years, giving us the birds we know today. He'll also cover identification of the distinct age/sex classes and migration data, as well as attraction tips, housing standards, and best management practices for those that want to host martins at their home.

Matt Fendley works at the University of Houston - Clear Lake, where he also received his BS in Environmental Management. He was mesmerized by Purple Martins at a very young age, which quickly turned into an obsession. He has been hosting Purple Martins at his home for decades, as well as managing a satellite colony at UHCL for the past 10 years that belongs to the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH). Matt is also a current member of the Purple Martin Conservation Association. Though an avid birder in general, his main focus has always been on Purple Martins.