Purple Martin Forum

Thanks, I will try that.

Thanks for the prompt response. Yes, I am supplying food, but most concerned as to who will feed them once they fledge and are on there own.

It appears as though I have a nest of two past fledging date that parents have abandoned or "gone missing." What are the chances of survival for these two without parents. This is the last nest of the season and there are still many Martins in the area.

We here know what your going through. Have been feeding a pair for 10 days now and using handwarmers most of that time. Possibly another 10 days to go. We have never had to provide food for this length of time before, but all seems to be going well. They are eating the crickets and eggs and hanging ...

Try a marine air horn. Hawk would not have been around for the second attack after a blast from this little gem, Carry mine all the time and it is extremely effective.

I'm in the same situation as Dave except I have a pair here and have been feeding crickets and eggs for six days. I'm wondering how long can they thrive on only crickets and eggs. Forecast looks pretty dismal here, so I guess were about to find out. Will be using handwarmers again soon.

James, your description is one I'll remember: "a tree swallow on steroids." Very good, indeed.

That is the marvelous Eastern Kingbird. We welcome them here as they are aggressive towards hawks. I haven't figured out yet if they are "playing" with the Martins or harassing them, but in either case the Martins tend to ignore them. I wish we had more of them.

Jan, try the owl decoys. My nearby neighbors have them sitting on their docks in order to keep the ducks off. They are very close to us and don't bother the Martins at all. In fact, I believe they just may deter the infamous hawk as well.

Here we use a marine air horn; very effective. We have a resident Cooper's who likes to ambush at dusk. She and I have had an on-going battle the last few years and I think the Martins and I are winning. I have to be in the yard every evening with my trusty air horn (and a glass of wine). My being p...

Bob, yep, that looks just like mine. Never doubted you for a minute. I'm just over the border and last year had the earliest ever on March 17. Hoped they would not repeat this year as the weather was dreadful. This week end looks very good. Best of luck.

Hey guys, that Martin in Wauseon, Ohio was probably mine stopping to rest before coming on into Michigan. Just kidding, although they are due any day. This waiting and watching is painful; let's get on with it.

Way to go Chris! In case your not aware, make sure you cut the egg into bird size pieces. Anything larger, they may not recognize as food. Replace a few times a day. Sounds like warmer temps are coming your way.

Kyle, you are a lucky guy in that you only have 2 Martins rather than 2 dozen. Kudos to you for your concern. A Martin can probably make it three days without food, but to be sure they survive you can feed crickets, scrambled eggs, or both. We feed both and place the food directly in the nest cavity...

Hi Shros, nice to meet you; we are practically neighbors and I would love to talk Martins. If you would like, you can email me at [email protected].

Please, don't give up. Food is fuel - don't worry about flipping crickets. Put the food directly in their gourd. Hand warmers are cheap to purchase, at least up North here and should be placed underneath the bedding. We experience this same situation every year and this is how our birds learned to e...

Here, in SE Michigan, the last thing I expected to see was an adult male Martin on October 17th. He was flying strong, landed on the gourd rack and looked great. We had a one short one-sided conversation and off he went. Sure made my day. Comments, please.

James, We have been tormented by a resident Cooper's for the third year. It is devastating to be outsmarted by a hawk and I refuse to accept this outcome. There are many variables involved; my hawk shows up in the evenings and thru trial and error I have found that my yard lights were some deterrent...

Please don't give up. I know that it must be difficult to monitor a remote colony, but there are a lot of experts on this forum, as you know, that can be of assistance. If your housing is up, keep an eye on it as I had 2 males and a female arrive on the 25th. They will need a helping hand for a few ...

Neal, very happy to report that it has been a very successful season here in southern lower Michigan, although one of the toughest I have experienced in 16 years. First Martin arrived March 3lst with temps in low 20's. Used the feeding tray many, many times this season. Then the Coopers Hawk showed ...