This time of the year is an exciting time for the one million Purple Martin enthusiasts, particularly for those welcoming their return on the Gulf Coast and in Southern California. Excitement mounts as the birds migrate further north to arrive late April in the northern States Tipping the scales at 2 ozs, the Martin is the largest Swallow. Named after the month of their appearance, March, the monogamous Martins exhibit "site fidelity" meaning they return to their "home" after wintering in Brazil. Keen to raise their broods the Martins search for last year's familiar pole mounted martin houses and the increasingly successful hanging gourds. If your friends and neighbors have Martin houses, you too can be a host, much to the dismay of your bloodthirsty local flying insect population. The first step to attracting Purple Martins and becoming part of this exciting hobby is to install a new, suitable, and correctly positioned home.