Desert Martin Nestbox

[stan kostka]

Hi All,

The info regarding the link below has a reference to the PMCA, so I did a search of this forum, and the PMCA site, for the word "Tucson", but did not come up with any info about this particular event. I don't know, maybe I missed it, in any case, thought this would be a good way for some folks to fill the martin doldrums of winter.

Stan Kostka
Seattle

https://tucsonaudubon.org/martincontest/

[Unk Bond]

Hello
I
Do find that interesting
Do have a question
How do the birds adapt to the desert heat [ Later

[defed]

Hello
I
Do find that interesting
Do have a question
How do the birds adapt to the desert heat [ Later

i don't know if it's on the link, but somewhere i saw that when the cactus is excavated, it forms some kind of thick layer that insulates the cavity. there was a chart comparing the outside temp and the temp inside the cavity. the outside temp formed sharp v's (hot in the day, cold at night) but the internal temp was pretty flat (constant temp) in between the extremes outside.

[C.C.Martins]

Stan,
What a wonderful idea, I can picture an artificial suaro cactus looking nest box, similar to wood pecker houses made from cut and hollowed tree trunks. Very interesting! Ah the challenges, has to be able to beat the heat as Unk mentioned....with Audubon behind them I really wish them success.

Unk,
I think they like most desert dwellers have adjusted. Can think of a dozen challenges....water first....dry out there.

[Unk Bond]

Hello
Water is a very good point
2nd thing comes to mind Is do they migrate
Or are they contented to stay where they are [ Later

[Jones4381]

Desert dwellers are tough, almost relocated to Tucson back in 19' as I loved the place but scarcity of water made me back out personally. Those Saguro's are majestic too and the chart showing the inside 'boot' temp averages to day and night time dips is really cool how it all works... I'm betting some really cool houses will be created for the purpose and look forward to seeing how we offer an alternative to an otherwise perfect solution for birds and plants coexistence with the natural way. Good luck Tucson area residents. Great article

[defed]

Stan,
What a wonderful idea, I can picture an artificial suaro cactus looking nest box, similar to wood pecker houses made from cut and hollowed tree trunks. Very interesting! Ah the challenges, has to be able to beat the heat as Unk mentioned....with Audubon behind them I really wish them success.

i was thinking of using large diameter pvc pipe to make fake cacti....then you'd just need to figure out something to insulate them...either some sort of rigid, durable, spray foam on the inside or outside. i've seen sculptures and large models made out of some sort of material like that, they look solid and heavy but are quite light, i just don't know what type of foam material they use.

[C.C.Martins]

Good ideas, its too bad they don't have the enthusiast's the PMCA does, some way some how we find a way to get our martins comfortable and sucessful. Maybe they do I don't know.

[stan kostka]

I have not gone over the project description in detail, but during my cursory review I did not see any requirements that the participants live in the project area. Seems to me all you need is access to the internet and a desire to design a martin nestbox. So, looks like anyone reading this forum can submit an entry. Please correct me if I am wrong about this. And, if there are any other online martin discussion groups you know of, please feel free to post the link there.

Stan

[BioJoe]

anyone can participate

[Dave Reynolds]

... I have looked around on the internet and there are a few company’s that make light weight Artificial Cactus.. Maybe some one could make one themselves from foam and paint it green or what every color.. Hollow out a few holes to look like an old woodpecker’s nest.. Might get lucky, if the Martins are in the area.. I know I would give it a try... Good Luck..

Dave

[Louise Chambers]

One way that desert martins adapt is by nesting later in the summer, in sync with the monsoon season, with its daily thunderstorms. That is best time for insect abundance to feed their young.
I think something like Icynene foam between inner and outer nestbox walls would be a good idea - thick layer of insulation would be very important in protecting the eggs/nestlings from the HEAT. We have icynene foam in attic and walls of house in very hot locality, and the house really resists heat well.
Any kind of overhang to provide extra shade might be a good idea, too - like a sun umbrella above nestbox.