Cavity Nesting Birds

The PA Game Commission recently received funding to promote a new cavity nesting bird program, with a focus on purple martins and chimney swifts.  Both species nest in man-made houses- similar to bluebirds- although on a much grander scale.  Unfortunately, martins and swifts are declining.  In an attempt to reverse these statewide declines, PGC is deploying purple martin structures and chimney swift towers statewide, along with signage to educate the public on martin and swift conservation.  Because martins and swifts are so accustomed to nesting near humans, they present a unique opportunity to place nesting structures in highly visible public parks where conservation and education can be highly impactful.   Come learn more about the life histories and conservation efforts for these unique Pennsylvania residents, and learn what you can do to get involved.

Stefan grew up in Southcentral Pa, where he caught the birding bug as a young teenager.  Following his passion for birds and the outdoors he went to Ithaca College for undergrad, and then to SUNY ESF in Syracuse for a Masters in Conservation Biology.  During his formative years he was a field technician studying golden-winged warblers in southern new York and Seaside Sparrows on Long Island.  After grad school, Stefan returned to central Pennsylvania as a Pheasants Forever biologist working with local farmers to create wildlife habitat on private lands, mainly converting cropland to grassland habitat.  In 2022 he took a position with the Game Commission as the avian recovery biologist working on statewide initiatives to recover Pennsylvania’s declining bird species.  He enjoys birding, hiking, camping, and planting wildflower meadows in his local area.