Wing entrapment guards

[Birdiegirl]

Hoping for some help here- I've never really been clear on what exactly wing entrapment guards look like. After finding two ASY dead in a Bo 9 gourd last year (gourd had a tunnel attachment/SREH) I wonder if what I thought were guards, actually aren't? Would someone please post a photo? I have two S&K barns, a T-14 with tunnel attachments/SREH and 8 Bo9 gourds with tunnel attachments/SREH.

Also- starting to get a little anxious. This is year four for me, I had 20 pairs last year. My birds aren't back yet. Several folks around me have them. First arrival in 2022 was 4/6 and in 2023 was 3/26.

[flyin-lowe]

There are a few variations but they typically are made of some type of material that sticks out around the interior of the opening. I assume the martins you found inside the gourd had a wing stuck when you found them?
Here is a pic I found on Google.

Wing.JPG (35.17 KiB) Viewed 1872 times

[Birdiegirl]

This photo is extremely helpful, thank you! And while not shaped exactly the same- the tunnels I installed do have something similar in place. Last year, one of the bird's wings was wedged in the tunnel and blocked the entrance with another male inside. I guess nothing is 100% fool proof. By the time I found them, both birds had perished. My lesson learned is that I should do nightly walk arounds. Had I done that, I think I would have seen or heard the birds and been able to intervene.

[MJM]

Are you sure their wings were trapped? We've had 3 very cold nights here in KY in a row and few bugs for eating, last night was particularly bitter with the full moon and clear skies. Those conditions are tough on the birds, cold weather is the #1 killer.

[Phil01]

Laura, The WEPS basically make the entrance thicker on the inside so that when birds are fighting in a compartment it’s more difficult for a wing to slide along a wall, slip out the entrance and get stuck. I bought the WEPS offered on this site and installed them on my Sunset Inn house with crescent openings. Comes with the hardware and instructions, easy to install. Probably won’t totally eliminate wing entrapment but I think it will reduce it for sure. I think you are right, walking around your colony and observing what’s going on helps quite a bit with any potential issues, but don’t beat yourself up about it, we all do the best we can and things happen sometimes.
Your birds will be back very shortly I’m sure! Good luck this season.
Phil

[Birdiegirl]

Appreciate the responses everyone.

MJM- yes, I'm sure the wing was trapped- it was wedged in place when I found it. The event happened last year, so I can't recall the weather but don't suspect it was the issue. Good luck to you attracting birds in Indiana. You sure made it look easy in Kentucky!

Phil- I did beat myself up a bit but learned from the experience. Thank you so much for the encouragement! I'm working from home today and will be keeping my eyes on the skies. I'm ready to welcome them home.

[Jones4381]

Seems we are living in parallel universes once again Birdie. I think I mentioned I had one wing entrapment last season and fortunately saw it late one evening. It was on the backside of the rack which I don't observe often...I agree with your assessment that a walk around in the evening is a good idea.

First bird here showed up 3/11 and been alone for 2 1/2 weeks. Had 3 new birds show up yesterday and all 4 are around this morning (3M 1F). Looks like with the 70's approaching the next 5 days I'm guessing many more will arrive. Weather's been pretty bad for the early arrivals and I prefer April 1 in the mountains as Spring really doesn't hit here till mid April...I'm sure you'll be full soon and the first will show up and settle your worries. Best wishes on your season.

[Birdiegirl]

Happy to report that our first martin showed up this morning- a female. She's been hanging around most of the morning and checking out all the apartments, like she's looking for other martins! Hopefully she is 'ours', and more will follow. Warm temps will be around central KY for a few days, but I see a couple highs in the 40's forecasted for next week. I have SOOO much respect for all the northern landlords that have to deal with early arrivals and poor weather conditions every year. You cricket flipping folks sure have big hearts!

Good luck to you too Jones- I predict a banner year for you with all the wonderful gourd housing! Your colony sure has grown quickly. It's fun to learn a little more each year with this addictive hobby. Enjoy!

[brent]

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Hi. This is what I did. The house came with some on the inside and I added some on the outside. It works. Brent

[Birdiegirl]

Thanks, Brent. So did you make them, or order them? They look like very dense Styrofoam?

[brent]

I ordered them from PMCA shop. I cut the ends to conform. Worked great. No more wing entrapment! Brent

[Phil01]

Yep, same ones I ordered on here, not sure of the exact material, it’s a dense plastic of some sort. I put a few beads of Lexel, drilled the holes and screwed on with the provided screws.
More importantly… CONGRATS on your first arrival Laura! Always so exciting!!! Now you have to figure out a way to work from home the entire season. lol
Phil

[Birdiegirl]

Fantastic- it's reassuring to know that others have had luck with these additions. Appreciate the tips for installation too.

And Phil- YEP! Definitely taking a sigh of relief and celebrating the arrival of our first purple feathered friends. The pair overnighted in Apt 15 last evening, so I feel like our 2024 season has officially begun. We also are hosting a bunch of tree swallows on our farm. The winter project was constructing several other nestboxes for them... so fortunately they are fighting over all the new real estate to choose from and once again completely ignoring the martin housing. Fun times.

[Phil01]

Yes Ma’m your 2024 season is underway! Waiting for the first arrival can be stressful but soooo exciting when they show up!
I wish I had Tree Swallows here! I think that would be a really fun bird to have nesting here! We do have lots of Bluebirds which are really cool. Have a nest in the box with 4 eggs. The bluebirds sit on the gourd rack next to the Martins and neither one seems to care. Of course once the Martins have eggs it’s a different story, they hate everything that goes near the rack, including me! lol
Good luck with your new arrivals and have fun this season.
Phil