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Last year, volunteers raised money for three Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge purple martin housing units.

Once they were installed, the 42 purple martin rooms immediately filled up.

This year, refuge volunteers have the bird houses ready in plenty of time before the annual purple martin arrival.

It shouldn’t be long before a vibrant, active community of birds fills the dwellings. The houses are located on Milltail Road, just south of the refuge shop compound.

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