Major Setback

[switchgrass2001]

I had two ASY pair with four 10-day old chicks each. Our family left for a camping trip last Wednesday. The forecast indicated that it would be low- to mid-90s with dewpoints in the mid-70s on Thursday and Friday and we would be gone until Sunday. Quite hot for Minnesota. I have Troyer horizontal gourds with PVC elbow vents in the access cap and holes drilled in the top of the gourds beneath the dimples. I have a blink camera on the gourds. Looked like adults were feeding young during the hottest day. I noticed a decrease of activity the next day and no activity two days later. It ended up being 95/76 (temp/dewpoint) on Thursday with 10 mph wind and 92/70 on Friday with 25-30 mph wind. Got home and immediately lowered the gourd rack. Flies were coming out of the two gourds. All 8 young were dead. Looked like no trauma as they were laying in the nest in the back of the gourds. It has taken me a few days to write this as I thought I was going to throw up I was so devastated. I get it - they are simply birds and God is in control, but it took me 8 years to get my first pair in 2022 and I had lone pairs in 22 and 23. Had two pair in 2024, but one of the females was injured by Eastern Kingbird prior to eggs hatching. Had two pair this year with significant activity all summer. It has been a slow process as there are not many landlords in a 40-mile radius. I have fallen in love with their vocalizations while I am working in the yard.

There were 3 additional SY males for a total of 7 adults around the gourds daily for the last 6 weeks. I saw the 7 adults flying around the gourds on Monday morning, but they did not land and flew off. I have not seen them since. Again, no sign of any predation. Also lost nest of bluebirds that were about 4-5 days from fledging. I see so many posts about birds being fine up to 100 degree temps, so I did not have any shade above gourds. Is it possible that they are more susceptible to heat in the northern fringes of their range? Going to be a long off-season wondering if the adults will return next year. I am not very optimistic. I will spend the off-season constructing shade panels for next year and plan to have a mister, too.

Of note, I am in the MN River valley on the north side of the river with a south facing, sloped lot.

[brent]

I am so sorry to hear about this. I am interested in hearing the responses from others. I’m in south Louisiana and it’s been hot here too. I have a late nest of 3 that are now 14 days old. The heat concerns me so I put up a small shade shield to block the morning sun. I wish I had an explanation for you but I don’t. I know it’s difficult.

[ToyinPA]

Sorry for your losses. It can be ruff being martin landlord.

With temps in the 90's & dew points in the 70's the actual "feel like" temps would be in the low 100's. We get the same weather in PA in summer. I often would supplement feed, as the parents are overwhelmed by the heat, insects would often be in hiding from the sun & heat, so chicks suffer & often die as they dehydrate. I also added ice packs to nests.

Toy in PA

[Bird Brain]

Although your temperature isn't as hot as where I live, I bet the humidity in Minnesota is high with all those lakes you have. I think you should upgrade your ventilation for next year. I've never been impressed with the elbow vents in the access caps. They're too low. I think the vents should be as high as possible to make the "chimney effect" occur. You want consistent airflow from the very bottom to the very top. The elbow on the access cap does not accomplish this. With the lid vent, you still have heat building up in the top which is not good. I have 2 elbows on my Troyer Horizontals placed as high as a I possibly can. Also, the "chimney effect" occurs better in the Troyer Vertical. Also, you can drill more holes in the bottom of those gourds. I think they originally came with 5 drainage holes in the bottom. I drilled 4 more holes to make it 9 drainage holes in the bottom. Add 2 elbows as high as possible. Drill more drainage holes in the bottom. Forget the elbows in the access cap. They actually hinder the "chimney effect." Pray they give you another chance next year. That's my opinion. Sorry and good luck.

[switchgrass2001]

Thank you both for the information. I was not prepared for such heat, especially when I was gone. Feel like I failed the birds, but I will learn from the experience and try to be a better landlord. What do they say, the silence is deafening. I sure miss their music.

[Bird Brain]

I'm not a betting man. But if I were, I'd wager that you will see martins again next year. I believe it's mostly predatory deaths, not weather related deaths that cause abandonment. Martins know that landlords can greatly mitigate loss from predators and do hold us accountable for that. That's why they like humans in the first place. They also know that we are not responsible for weather and can't do anything about it. So count this in your favor. You also have 3 successful years of fledging chicks. This reputation works in your favor also. I wouldn't worry too much about next year. I think you'll be fine.

[C.C.Martins]

I'll echo the others and agree it is not going to keep them from coming back next year. Sorry for your loss!

I also agree 90 degree PVC high up is key, being as far north as you are, you could very well keep them plugged, use your vent caps, and when Temps rise pull the plugs from the vents in the neck of the gourd.

Don't beat yourself up, mother nature weilds a big stick.

Best,
Tom

[brent]

The heat concerns me with those little 16 day old chicks I have now (3 of them). Thank God we’re getting some afternoon showers that helps bring the temperature down. I have Trendsetter houses and they do have a vent hole. They are insulated. They are white and made of aluminum. I’ve kept the adjacent compartments open and vented to provide air movement. Toy mentioned ice packs. How would you do that? Do you put ice packs in the compartment under theirs? Trying to be ahead of the game in the event it gets hotter. Thanks. Brent

[Martintown33]

Hi Brent.. I’ve used ice packs in the compartments directly under the nesting one, and right next to it, when I had very late nesters in the past.. it does seem to help.. the heat we’re having isn’t too bad though.. 92 to 94.. and as you said, the showers help.. once it gets to 97 or 98, heat may start to become a factor.. venting is important..
good luck ,
Rob

[ToyinPA]

Ice packs can be made using Ziploc baggies. Lay flat to freeze. You can wrap one in a rag & place it in the back of the nest tray, under the nest tray, etc. Remove after a few hours, as it will be melted.

When temps got hot & humid adults are stressed trying to keep chicks fed. So I always supplement fed at least twice a day.

Toy in PA

[brent]

Thanks Rob and Toy. Good ideas. I didn’t think of using ziplock bags. Makes sense. The temperature is 91 degrees and very humid. Parents are feeding them. So far so good.