Small rat snake on gourd rack

[ldybala]

Today I noticed something that looked like a lizard on my gordrakk. When I inspected I found that it was a very small rat snake, probably about two and a half feet long and pencil-thin. Along part of its length was a sausage wide circumference with probably four or five baby Martin's. I removed the snake and took it 8 blocks away across a busy Street Into the Woods next to a golf course. I did have 3/4 in mesh snake guard but apparently he went through that. I reviewed Steve post about snake guards and immediately bought half inch mesh and more 3/4 in mesh to reinforce my snake guard. The only place I found it was at Lowe's. Had to buy 100 feet of the half inch mesh but was able to get a much smaller and cheaper supply of the 3/4 inch mesh. Apparently the snake was so small that it was able to go through the 3/4 in mesh. Don't know if anything would have prevented this small of a snake. The snake apparently got at least one and possibly two of my Martin nests. I have 20 gourds on this pole and counted six with eggs and three with very early babies. My question is will the adults stay and lay more eggs or will they abandon this. I'm assuming that the birds that have eggs and babies will continue feeding as they are now. I have heard the entire colonies are abandoned after a snake attack. Since only limited damage was done I hope the birds whose Nest was rated will re nest and that my colony is not in jeopardy.

[Anthony Neira]

Idybala, A friend of mine had the same thing happened to him, But, in his case the snake, much larger than yours, ate the female PM and did Not bother the 2 eggs the couple had. The next day the male Pm kept coming back to take care of the 2 eggs & like a true champ, was able to attract another homeless female & the rest of the colony stayed to finish off the season in success ! I really don't think you should worry about losing your colony, Steve k. knows alot about defending off snakes & that was good of you heed his advice!