Purple Martins and humans have a special connection that goes back hundreds of years. Purple Martins thrill people in a variety of ways throughout their life cycle. This presentation will cover that life cycle, dispel some of the myths surrounding martins, touch on some of the recent research findings and highlight some of the ways that birders and non-birders alike can connect with this spectacular bird. A special invitation has also been extended to visit the stunning migration roost in Austin. 

Presenter Shelia Hargis teaches Travis Audubon’s “Introduction to Birds and Birding” class, gives presentations on a variety of bird topics, surveys birds for the city of Austin and the USGS Breeding Bird Survey as well as private landowners, regularly leads birding field trips and is past president of Travis Audubon. She is currently on the Travis Audubon Board of Directors and the Education Committee and is Vice President of the Texas Ornithological Society.