Bummer of a Day

[switchgrass2001]

I've posted a few times indicating that it took me 9 years to have my first nesting pair in 2022. Had another lone nesting pair in 2023. Both years the pair laid 5 eggs and fledged 5 birds.

I was hoping to have at least one more pair this year and to my delight I did. Had an ASY pair nest early and lay 5 eggs. Then, I had an SY pair nest about 3 weeks later and have had 3 SY males visiting daily. I've been on cloud nine for a few weeks watching all of them

Today, I was hurriedly heading down to my shed today when I almost stepped on an injured purple martin on the lawn about 75 yards from the gourds. After checking the bird over, doing a nest check, and monitoring the rest of the day, it appears that the injured bird is the SY female from the second nest. The bird is alert, but cannot fly. Not realistic to take to rehabber as they are over 2 hours away and I don't have time to do that. So sad watching the SY male fly around confused. Don't have any idea what happened as the rest of the birds appear to be ok and doing their thing.

Also determined that only 3 of the 5 eggs of the ASY pair hatched - they are about 8 days old. Went from having two nesting pair with hopeful for up to 9 fledging. Now, simply hoping for 3 to fledge. Definitely need patience in my area. My colony is not taking off like I see so many do on this forum. I'll keep trying to improve and enjoy what I have.

[Matt F.]

What's your plan for the injured SY female?

[Jones4381]

Sorry for your tough day. There seems to be many we deal with but we all do the best we can with what we're dealt with and carry these things with us for overall better understanding. I think that's what draws me now more than ever to the species that's needing of our providing housing. The trials, tribulations, successes and set backs kind of mirror our lives to some sort...picking a mate or staying solo, where to take up root to raise a family, why do some flourish and others struggle, satisfaction of raising our offspring to see them have success brings the most happiness, leaving for independence and doing your own life and knowing time together has specific limits that's fleating. The joys of soaring high then suddenly dealing with loss or a catastrophic event...upon observing more the last few years we are all beset by the same rules and time lines in my view. I hope you reap many rewards to come and enjoy doing good for all living things. Rooting for you here in VA.

[C.C.Martins]

Switchgrass,
Sorry about your bird, lots of what we do is dependent upon so much outside our control. Its heartbreaking.
I trust your birds will flourish, dont discount the success a lone adult can achieve. Twice lone females fed 4 chicks and were successful.
It is a bummer, but feel they will succeed.