LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Redbud Audubon Society is pleased to host wildlife biologist Dan Airola who will present an overview of the status and conservation issues facing the purple martin in California at the upcoming Feb. 20 Zoom program meeting starting at 7 p.m.

The purple martin is recognized as a species of special concern in California.

Airola’s talk will discuss the unique life history of this largest North American swallow, differences between the eastern and western subspecies and current threats they face.

He will also discuss conservation opportunities through nest box programs and plans for the upcoming 2025 statewide status survey.

Airola is a wildlife biologist and ornithologist who has worked for over 40 years in research and conservation of at-risk bird species in Northern California.

He has conducted a research and conservation program on the Sacramento purple martin population for over 30 years.

Airola has conducted several status assessments of the species in California and is leading a statewide status survey in 2025. He has also studied Swainson's hawks, turkey vultures, ospreys, bald eagles, fire-adapted forest species, migrant songbirds, and diving ducks in Northern California.

He serves the Central Valley Bird Club as a director, conservation chair, and editor of the journal Central Valley Birds.

To register for the program, go to the Redbud Audubon Society’s website at www.redbudaudubon.org and click on the registration link on the home page. The link to attend the program will be sent the day of the program.