CT Audubon Society: 9 chicks of ‘special concern’ bird species born

SHERMAN — Breeding has been confirmed of a bird species of special concern in the state this month, which the Connecticut Audubon Society says is a critical stepping stone for the species.

Cathy Hagadorn, director of the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Deer Pond Farm sanctuary, said the property has confirmed breeding of purple martins. She said the newly established colony is “an important achievement for our bird conservation efforts.”

The sanctuary has two towers with 12 nesting gords on each, Hagadorn said. This season, she said, there were eggs in three of the nest gourds. Nine chicks were born.

“Once a colony is established they tend to grow larger as long as additional nesting gourds are available,” Hagadorn said in a statement earlier this week.

She said the nine chicks were given leg bands by a group led by Laurie Doss, purple martin conservation association board member and licensed bird bander under the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Dvision.

Doss was helped by Connecticut Audubon Society staff and volunteers, as well as three of Doss’ science students from Mavelwood School in Kent, where she serves as the science department chair.

Hagadorn said the colony is a critical new stepping sone to other breeding areas that could offer suitable habitat for the next generation of these birds, which do not nest in the same place they are hatched.

Deirdra Wallin / Contributed photo Nine chicks were born after eggs were laid in three nest gourds at the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Deer Pond Farm sanctuary in Sherman.