PMs on traditional Bird Feeders?

[Phil Richer]

Today while watching some of the other birds on our black oil sunflower and niger seed feeders I noticed what I thought were PMs on the feeders. I quickly got the binoculars and sure as shooting there were a female and second year male. They weren't actually eating the seeds but were interested in the area. Has anyone else observed this?

[Louise Chambers]

I saw martins land in an empty feeder and one ate some hulls - the empty shells from sunflower seeds, maybe for grit. An Ohio landlord also saw martins do the same thing at his feeder, and got photos.

Martins need grit and calcium to complete their diet and allow for strong eggshells. They supply their nestlings with calcium needed for strong bones. Landlords can help them out by supplying crushed oyster shell or crushed eggshell.

[Mike1624]

We have oyster shell and egg shell in two different trays of a B&B. This morning we watched an Eastern Kingbird join 3 PM's for a little breakfast eggshell. They seem to be ignoring the oyster shell. We've watched this Kingbird flying with the Martins and hitting the lake surface together. They seem pretty compatible.