Meet Pat & Patricia Hermsen Landlords of The Purple Martins.
These birds depend on people like Pat and Patricia for their nesting spots.
Purple Martins, the largest swallows in North America, became acclimated to the dried gourds hung by Native Americans and handcrafted birdhouses designed by European colonists. The prevalence of these readymade houses, coupled with the decline of natural cavities, has changed the behavior of the species. Now, only manmade will do for their nests.