PM Rack was a popular spot today
Our baby PM's all fledged about two weeks ago. Yesterday was the first day PM's did not come back to the rack to socialize and eat (we have lots of dragonflies and mayflies). Well, this morning I looked out and there was a bald eagle sitting on the top of the gourd rack. Out of nowhere, about 15-20 PM's came in and were screaming their alert/danger call. The eagle completely ignored them and sat there about five minutes. He then flew across the lake and unfortunately, the PM's left also. Then, this afternoon, a kingfisher took the favored spot and was there for almost an hour. After it flew away, a bluebird took over the favored spot and entertained us with his wonderful soft song. We also have a new family of seven baby mallards swimming around. If this continues, we may not be so lonesome until the PM"s return next spring.
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Guest
We get the occasional visitor in our backyard, too, though we're in a more suburban area. Woodpeckers, armadillos, rabbits, and the occasional hawk (I think it's a Cooper's Hawk).
We always know when the hawk is coming to pay a visit, too, because the backyard birds always make this particular warning call.
We always know when the hawk is coming to pay a visit, too, because the backyard birds always make this particular warning call.
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Hi linsue.
Your place sounds wonderful! Yeah, now that the Purple Martin Majesty has moved on, all the rest of nature's beauty comes shining through. All those other birds are sitting on the rack trying to get your attention...
Hi AggieMEEN.
There is a Grackle natal tree behind the building I work in. As their young were fledging, a hawk began to make daily visits. I always knew when the hawk was in the area because of the sound made by the adult Grackles. It sounded like a loud click or even a cluck. This sound would silence every bird in the area until the hawk was gone.
One day, I saw the hawk get mobbed. Three or four male Grackles went after him. As I watched, a Mockingbird got in on the action and out of nowhere a single Purple Martin showed up to assist.
Your place sounds wonderful! Yeah, now that the Purple Martin Majesty has moved on, all the rest of nature's beauty comes shining through. All those other birds are sitting on the rack trying to get your attention...
Hi AggieMEEN.
There is a Grackle natal tree behind the building I work in. As their young were fledging, a hawk began to make daily visits. I always knew when the hawk was in the area because of the sound made by the adult Grackles. It sounded like a loud click or even a cluck. This sound would silence every bird in the area until the hawk was gone.
One day, I saw the hawk get mobbed. Three or four male Grackles went after him. As I watched, a Mockingbird got in on the action and out of nowhere a single Purple Martin showed up to assist.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne