Nest destruction.

[Mr. K.]

I had three pairs, looks like three nests. Two nests have been torn apart, or so it seems. Floors have a dirt layer but the grass/twigs on the inside are gone. Looks like its strewn over the yard. Third nest has some twigs still inside. I saw starlings there this morning, shot and missed it. Getting home from work today I found what I described. Did starlings do this? I only see one martin flying about at this time. Any help appreciated.

[Mr. K.]

I don't know if there were any eggs inside, but it smells like rotten eggs. I never disturb my martins unless I have to so I don't know what stage there nests were. These came in Feb. and never left. I had two ASY males. Beautiful color birds. Never had them before. I am so mad!

[Chuck4]

Well, I don't know if it was Starlings for sure, but you have had some major destruction/predation going on there. It is important to do nest checks, so you can prevent the destruction of the martin nests if possible. Are you using any SREH crescent entry holes? If not you should really consider doing so. Unfortunately the situation you are facing may mean colony abandonment. I have been dealing with major HOSP issues this season, and I'm glad I have housing that can easily be lowered to clean out nests and do nest checks. You may be able to do that, but should do so more frequently in the future. Sorry for your issues.

[Matt F.]

I had three pairs, looks like three nests. Two nests have been torn apart, or so it seems. Floors have a dirt layer but the grass/twigs on the inside are gone. Looks like its strewn over the yard. Third nest has some twigs still inside. I saw starlings there this morning, shot and missed it. Getting home from work today I found what I described. Did starlings do this? I only see one martin flying about at this time. Any help appreciated.

That definitely sounds like a starling raid.

[4th Gen Martin Fan]

Mr. K,
I have to agree with Matt.
That sounds just like a starling attack.
If you have SREHs (starling resistant entrance holes), then we will all be interested in how to modify your entrances to prevent this kind of attack again.

I am fanatical about gathering the latest information about how to prevent starlings from breeching my entrances.
Mark.

[Mr. K.]

I have a Coates 12 unit house with the predator guards and the telescoping aluminum pole. My second yr. at this hobby. The few issues I had with a sparrow or two was solved by the two ASY males. They were very aggressive towards them. The starlings are another matter, though. Finally, this afternoon I saw my birds come around, but they were skittish. They would fly away when I moved about then come back moments later. Wondering if they'll stay, renest, or what. Never saw anything like this before. Thanks for responding all.

[tonyg]

You need to get rid of those Starlings ASAP, as it sounds like the works of them..especially if you want to keep your martins around!! Trap or shoot!!!

[chickadee]

I assume you have round holes? If so change them. I went years with round holes. I know a lot of people still do. And no offense but I don't know why? Or why I did? It is such a easy switch. And a Martin life savor. It takes that one moment for a starling to pass up your trap and you not be their and go inside that compartment with a round hole. For your birds sake I hope u get this fixed. Good luck.

[Courtney-NC]

Definitely put some SREH on that house if you have not already to prevent starling entry. One other thing - starlings will often reach in as far as their *head* will let them, even with an SREH, and will pull out nest material they can reach and throw it on the ground. Trap or shoot those starlings if you are able. It is possible to trap them using a Nest Box trap you can build. Here are some plans from the PMCA: http://www.purplemartin.org/forumarchiv ... wpage4.htm

[Matt F.]

Just thinking out loud........
I'd like to try this on a Coates house (seems like it would work).
Take one of the conventional, 6"X6" round hole Coates houses, cut a nice, large, smooth hole in the internal room dividers (much like the Trio compartment enlargement procedure), and place some of the crescent equipped, Coates WatersEdge replacement doors (which look like they attach the exact same way the original doors do).
Finish off by placing some PMCA wing-entrapment guards on the crescents.
Oh yeah, and some of the Coates elevated subfloors in at least the back compartments.

[Mr. K.]

Good news. They are back, singing, rebuilding their nests. Looks like three pairs again. When I am home I can shoot the starlings. Its when I am away at work that is concerning me. I do have the round holes. Going to look into that. Thanks all.

[Matt F.]

Great news Mr. K!

[DornCounty]

if starlings did it they will be back. Get some SREHs on there.

[4th Gen Martin Fan]

Mr. K,
You are the man with a great plan.
I can just envision this season. SREHs in each entrance to your double compartments. 3 pair raise 4-5 fledglings this year. That could total 12-15 new SY martins for someone next year.
I understand from others that those SYs usually settle back into a 10 miles radius of their birthplace.
Next year should be a greater year for you and your area landlords with SREHs on your Coates house.
Congratulations!
Mark.

[Mr. K.]

Thanks everybody. I have ordered crescent doors for all 12 units. Wanting to order another housing unit like the one I now have. Can I do this now and attract more birds or is it too late for this yr.? I am in south Louisiana. I've really gotten attached to these birds. Grows on ya, I guess.

[RC Moser]

"shot and missed it"

OK really need to find out why you missed turkey size target when compared to E. sparrow. Set up target and the range your shooting and practice. till you can hit dime size target 9 or 10 times. If you can't then either the gun in inconsistent or you are. maybe scope will help? or maybe you may need more precision rifle? Bottom line is you can't miss starling within 70 feet. You have to practice enough to be able to make the shot. Especially when shooting E. Sparrows. You only get one shot before they become wise. I'll admit E. Sparrow out to 70 feet challenge, but there is no reason you can't get them 9 or 10 times with practice. Starlings should be ducks in barrel.


IMO he needed to build repeating trap for the starlings or they will still torment PM's. Srehs on asap if you want keep what martins you got. After you get that done work on the trap.It will pay off while your at work or away when you can't shoot. And besides you can't guard 14 hours out of day anyway.

[Mr. K.]

It's a pellet rifle with scope. Last yr. first seven shots got 5 sparrows and one starling. This yr. one sparrow from many shots. I am going to sight it in when this monsoon ends. Just don't know why its off. Been in the closet since last summer.

[RC Moser]

I also experience that. But in my case temp. and humidity effects C02. Cold temps really drop the pressure. I always check accuracy before I start using the gun after it's been in storage (I store my rifles in thick plastic bags to keep the dust at bay) Also, when I change pellets or gas bottlets in my case. I also site it in at 12 yards.

For my rifle that seems to get the drop pretty close at 36 feet and falls back on target at about 70 feet. I also have telescoping pole that I raise target on and the same angle I shoot up at the houses where I make my most shots. Now I know the exact drop on target at that angle. If it off too much I adjust to that target and then recheck at 12 yards so I know the drop there.

Based on this information I can calculate the drop out to 100 feet and just yesterday I got two ES at 110 feet in tops of trees where they though they were safe to stock my setup.

I also know the yardage at certain location around my colony were the starlings and ES like to set. I seem to hit target better at longer yardage than shorter yardage due to I have aim low on close shot (20 feet or closer).

This what I do, maybe some of it will be useful, or maybe not. Rc

[Anthony Neira]

Mr.K, Everyone seems to be on right track about starlings, but like Chuck4 said, predation, double check your SNAKE guard system. When you're not there, snakes can do alot of harm. Good luck!

[Mr. K.]

Thanks RC. I think that distance could be the problem. Shots fired this yr. have been at a closer range than last yr. I am much more accurate at longer range as well, but I am going to sight it in soon.