The first Iowa Purple Martin Fest is taking place this weekend. The Johnson County Songbird Project, which holds a annual Purple Martin Workshop in Kalona, is behind tomorrow’s event.

It begins at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow north of Kalona at the home of Evan and Ethel Gingerich, who maintain one of the area’s most successful purple martin colonies. A presentation will be given on maintaining a colony, and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., a martin house will be lowered once an hour, giving attendees a close-up look at eggs and nestlings.

Colonies can be found throughout Johnson and Washington counties due to the songbird project’s work. Director of the organization, Jim Walters, says there’s one at the Casey’s in Hills, one at the Riverside Fire Station and several on private properties.

For more information on purple martins and starting a colony of your own, follow the links below.

In Touch with Southeast Iowa – Jim Walters – Purple Martin Colonies (Part One)

In Touch with Southeast Iowa – Jim Walters – Purple Martin Colonies (Part Two)