Andy Troyer's Colony DEVASTATION

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Nanette
Posts: 579
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:07 pm
Location: Virginia/Woodbridge

Hi Everyone,

I just got off the phone with Andy Troyer. They just had a solid week of rain. The rain effected several states including Ontario, PA, NY, WI, and OH. Andy's colony lost 483 nestlings. Within 1 square mile of his house, over 700 nestlings perished. Andy said not to send condolences but rather if you are in an area which was hit, "Please check your housing and remove any dead martins/nestlings.". He said he filled up a 5 gallon bucket and spread them over the field. He said he was reminded of Job.

"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD."
.
Fledge on!
Nanette
Martin man RI
Posts: 441
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2003 7:04 pm
Location: MA/RI area

How sad i spent a day there and was enjoying his colony. What a great
person too. Just before the storm. Those birds are his passion.
I cannot get over the numbers lost. Shocking to say the least.
Ray
Guest

I was checking the forum to try to understand why I had nestlings die this week. I am a first year landlord in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and was so excited to have 27 eggs between 2, 12 units homes. Last weekend we were delighted to have 19 babies. This past weekend, many died, or where missing, and no other eggs hatched. We did clean the compartments and changed nests. Last week we had cool days, nights. I did not understand how this impacted the Martins until now. The homes are at the end of our pier and I thought had a good food supply. We are not there during the week but understand now that I probably should have driven up and offered supplemental food. I am so very sorry for everyone's loss.
Guest

Was the basic problem at Andy's place wet nests or starvation?I'm sure both were an issue but curious as to the main culprit.

Sorry to hear that,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,its been one of those years.

dick
Dave Duit
Posts: 2145
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
Location: Iowa / Nevada
Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to [email protected]. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.

Andy Troyer is very concerned about the well being of martins. I also spoke with him today and after a insightful conversation I now understand how dedicated he is to his passion.
ImageMite control, heat venting, predator protection and additional feeding during bad weather add up to success.
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