Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family in North America. Each year they spend the winter in South America and then return to North America in the spring to breed. The oldest Purple Martins return to last year's nesting sites at established colonies around the last week in March. Last year's young will continue to arrive for about another six weeks. In this informal program your guide will lead you to Purple Martin colonies in the arboretum and explain how you can create your own site that might attract these delightful birds.