Take wing with purple-martin talk at library

COLUMBUS — If bird watching — especially purple martins — fascinates you, consider attending a free program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Nesbitt Memorial Library.

Master Naturalists Bert and Jean Stipelcovich will focus on the birds, which are considered “masters of the sky,” during their talk at the library, 529 Washington St.

Subjects covered in the program include attracting purple martins, why the birds are beneficial and what can be done to help the species.

The program is sponsored by Friends of the Nesbitt Memorial Library.

Jean St ipelcov ich’s birding interests prompted her to give two purple martin houses to Bert as a surprise birthday gift nearly two decades ago, the release said.

“Their backyard entertainment and knowledge have grown astronomically since then, along with numbers of birds they have attracted,” the release added.

Bert Stipelcovich now specializes in presenting programs to major Texas conferences on the purple martins.

The pair, who live near Weimar, belong to the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

Bert Stipelcovich is the information technology directory for the Coastal Prairie chapter of Master Naturalists.

Registration for the talk is not required, but is appreciated for room setup and refreshments. Email [email protected].