Purple Martin Babies

These purple martin hatchlings seem to be giving each other a hug. You can still see bits of shell on the one in the process of hatching.

Sleepy Babies

Purple Martin carrying leaf to nest

Purple Martins line their nests with leaves and this male is carrying a leaf to its nest in an artificial gourd at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

Purple Martin Nestlings

Sleepy Purple Martin babies, 11 days old. This nest of 5 young are a part of a backyard colony consisting of 8 nesting pairs, 25 nestlings, 1 fledgling, 6 eggs and a couple of trouble-making bachelor males.