Purple Martins, (Progne subis) are North America's Largest Swallow. They are a really beautiful birds and though they nest in holes in trees , they also will gladly nest in Colonies if you set up multifamily housing for them . The migrate in the winter and return to the North to breed in the summer. My local birdwatching hot spot, Hammonasset State Park here in CT has an active colony that returns each year, The Colony is a Sanctuary for these birds and I really enjoy watching them. They are very challenging to photo because of their colors and iridescence , as well as their speed. Once they have chicks they are so busy getting bugs that its even harder... at best you get them perched at the bird condo holes. This year I thought I would try photographing them during nest building...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4678a022_h.jpgPurple martin (Progne subis) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7b3164b5_h.jpgPurple martin (Progne subis) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bb189825_h.jpgPurple martin (Progne subis) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f441d057_h.jpgSharing of the leaf Ceremony by Al Sabetta, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ec37f611_h.jpgPurple martin (Progne subis) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr