Small colony under attack!!

[williamn]

I'm continuing to find martins dead on the nest and have been unable to determine the exact cause. Having lost a total of 9 now, most had no visible signs of trauma; a couple may have been pecked but not noticeably so. Some were sitting on eggs and the eggs were not bothered. I have ruled out some predators because the birds are not being eaten. I do have a Kestrel nesting in an old woodpecker nest but due to its size I doubt it's the culprit. Temperatures are back to mostly normal for the season although the early season was cold at times. While watching the gourds this week, I noticed some martins were aggressive toward one another. Could this be the work of a SY martin? I'am not having trouble with S&S.Any advice would be appreciated; My small colony is under attack.

[John Miller]

I'd consider weather. three or four days of continuous light rain in spring with cool temps can really cause a lot of morality. I suspect they get tired and don't preen enough, then wet and die of hypothermia. Was that the kind of weather?

[Larry A Kronemeyer]

Williamn,
Hasn't your area had a lot of rainy days, sometimes very heavy, and below normal temperatures? It doesn't take much of that kind of weather to wreak havoc on nesting martins.
Could be something else but that would be my first guess.
I think hawk pressure would present itself differently...the birds would be afraid to come in or not at all.
Anybody got another idea?
Judy

[williamn]

The first 3 were found May 7 weather was cold & rainy temps in upper 30's. Next week another dead female,next week 2 ASY males 1 female.
No rain in my area, southern middle tenn,for 2 weeks temps in upper 80's. Did nest check yesterday and found 2 females dead sitting on their eggs.
They did have signs of peck marks. Thanks to both of you for your replies.

[John Miller]

I don't know what kind of evidence to look for if a snake is getting in at night. Maybe others will know, but I have to wonder if a small snake might kill but not eat a bird. If you think snakes are a risk, put the bird netting on your poles...suggest a very fluffy, basketball sized wad above a cylinder guard. I attach them with bungees. Again..just something I'm wondering about. If it's not weather, the question is what would cause birds to die inside the units. Martins would not attack other martins that severely. Pesticides or fumes in the housing? Hang in there.

[pmartinlover2]

Oh dear! That many losses would be devastating! I found one ASYF dead in the gourd and was just dumbstruck,,,couldn't believe it. Do you think it might be the Avian virus since you've lost so many? I certainly hope not, but just wondering. Hoping your troubles are over and your martins do well. Good luck Williamn!
_____
Jody