View from Russian Ridge Preserve to Mindego Hill by Karl Gohl

Purple Martin © Alvaro JaramilloPurple Martins are the largest swallow in North America. Historically known to breed in Santa Clara County, they were thought to have disappeared, but when biologists returned to the top of Mount Umunhum they were found to still remain in the county! A concerted effort is ongoing to help them survive, including the installation of nesting boxes, and Purple Martins have again been spotted in the area. We are hopeful that Mount Umuhnhum will serve as a refuge for this rare and gorgeous swallow.