Help the Stamms Protect Their Purple Martins — and Their Rights

For 36 years, Andrew and Carol Stamm have welcomed one of America's beloved songbirds, the Purple Martin, after the birds complete their long migration from South America to nest safely in their Harahan backyard. Their colony follows conservation practices approved by wildlife agencies — and until recently, there were no complaints.

But over the past two years, the City of Harahan has pursued three separate prosecutions against the Stamms based on unsubstantiated nuisance claims. Despite offering professional pressure washing and car-wash memberships to neighbors, and despite a previous dismissal due to an unconstitutional ordinance, the City continues to demand the removal of their Martin houses.

The Stamms now face significant legal fees as they prepare for a December 17, 2025 trial, just weeks before the birds return. If the City forces the Stamms to remove the houses, the Purple Martins — who rely entirely on humans for nesting — could arrive after their 5,000-mile migration with nowhere to nest and raise their young.

Your support will help the Stamms continue defending themselves and protecting a beloved species that Harahan once called part of its identity as a Bird Sanctuary.

Every donation helps. Thank you for standing with the Stamms and the Purple Martins.