The well-documented and drastic decline in the Purple Martin nesting population in northern California has contributed to concerns about the species’ status throughout the state. The species has been recognized as a state Species of Special Concern for nearly 50 years.

Dan Airola is co-leading a comprehensive statewide Purple Martin status assessment 2025. Dan will discuss the unique life history of this largest North American swallow, its history in Solano and Napa Counties, differences between the eastern and western subspecies, and current threats they face. He’ll present an overview of the status and conservation issues facing the species in California. 

He will also provide preliminary results of the 2025 statewide Purple Martin breeding population survey.
The presentation is free and open to the public. Thursday, October 9, 7PM.

Biography: Dan Airola is a Sacramento Wildlife Biologist and Ornithologist who has worked for over 45 years in research and conservation of at-risk bird species in Northern California. Dan has conducted research and a conservation program for the Sacramento Purple Martin population for over 30 years. He also has conducted several status assessments of the species in California and is co-leading the 2025 statewide status. Dan has also led studies in Northern California for the Tricolored Blackbird, Yellow-billed Magpie, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Swainson's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, fire-adapted forest species, migrant songbirds, and diving ducks. Dan also serves the Central Valley Bird Club as a Director, Conservation Chair, and editor of the journal Central Valley Birds and is a Conservation Committee member for Sacramento Audubon.