"What's that telephone pole with the gourds hanging all over it?" It's actually a man-made safe haven for purple martins, a type of colonial bird that spends most of the summer months in similar structures throughout North Carolina. When nesting, they rely almost entirely on man-made bird houses, which you can typically spot around farms, pastures, lakes or ponds. For more information on purple martins, visit bit.ly/2OofUDT | NC Wildlife Resources Commission

How to Make Purple Martin Houses: This is such a fun activity for the kids - and adults!! It's wonderful to see the beautiful Purple Martins flying to the refuge of their gourd houses! They will keep the insects at bay!! They are certainly worth making! 1. Harvest a hardshell gourd when the vine has withered. You can also buy them from some farmers - very inexpensive. 2. Clean them with a little bleach and water and allow to dry for a few months. Clean again with a little bleach and water and al