Not that she's intolerant of them. I think she admires the setup. But no wonder the unknowing public thinks martin roosts are starlings or blackbirds.
Jim
The ignorant public
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Jim Beatson~SC
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 9:54 pm
- Location: Sumter, SC
- Martin Colony History: Started 2000
All natural gourds. Access ports and clinger SREH.
32 of 32 gourds occupied 2020
My mid-30's next door neighbor told my wife over the fence yesterday, "I see your husband has taken down his 'STARLING' nests."
Not that she's intolerant of them. I think she admires the setup. But no wonder the unknowing public thinks martin roosts are starlings or blackbirds.
Jim
Not that she's intolerant of them. I think she admires the setup. But no wonder the unknowing public thinks martin roosts are starlings or blackbirds.
Jim
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Joe D. Bryant
Good title that "The Ignorant Public", but it's not just purple martins that the general public doesn't know dip about or care about when it comes to nature, e.g., how often do any of us see an old, dead tree left standing or a neighborhood with planned travel lanes of shrubs for the displaced wildlife's food, homes, and protection.
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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.
You are so right, Joe.
...and even the people I consider my friends don't care about my Purple Martin colony. They act as if I'm some kinda kook when it comes to my birds.
Oh, well...
I'm glad to see you are feeling better, Joe. Good to have you back.
...and even the people I consider my friends don't care about my Purple Martin colony. They act as if I'm some kinda kook when it comes to my birds.
Oh, well...
I'm glad to see you are feeling better, Joe. Good to have you back.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
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Jim Beatson~SC
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 9:54 pm
- Location: Sumter, SC
- Martin Colony History: Started 2000
All natural gourds. Access ports and clinger SREH.
32 of 32 gourds occupied 2020
Joe,
A good synopsis.
This young lady is a backyard birder, but on an entry level. It would be great if more people would take a real interest in nature, do their homework and get involved. From my personal observations, martineers are not just specialized elitist. We are generally well-rounded, caring naturalists and conservationists.
But Laverne made a good point. Because of our passion for the martins, we are probably perceived as kooks by the uninitiated.
Jim
A good synopsis.
This young lady is a backyard birder, but on an entry level. It would be great if more people would take a real interest in nature, do their homework and get involved. From my personal observations, martineers are not just specialized elitist. We are generally well-rounded, caring naturalists and conservationists.
But Laverne made a good point. Because of our passion for the martins, we are probably perceived as kooks by the uninitiated.
Jim
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Donnie Hurdt MN
- Posts: 1723
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:14 pm
- Location: North Prairie, MN
My wife and kids think I am somewhat of a kook because I put so much time and effort in trying to get martins and for the money I spend on the other birds in the yard too. Hmmmmmm. I think the time and money is better spent on the birds rather than in a bar or casino.
PMCA member and Martin fanatic....
2011 A pair of subbies fledged three young but none returned in 2012
2015 One Pair of subbies came and stayed a few nits but got chased away by Bluebirds and Tree swallows.
2017 0ne pair of subbies nested and fledged 4 young
2018 Tree Swallows AGAIN chased away any martins that wanted to nest
2019 Same old story................
2011 A pair of subbies fledged three young but none returned in 2012
2015 One Pair of subbies came and stayed a few nits but got chased away by Bluebirds and Tree swallows.
2017 0ne pair of subbies nested and fledged 4 young
2018 Tree Swallows AGAIN chased away any martins that wanted to nest
2019 Same old story................
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Guest
dhurdtMN, I hear you on that. I get the same thing. I put a lot of time into martins, feeding the backyard birds, squirrels and raccoons. Like you said, it is better than spending time watching TV or hanging out at a bar. Atleast you are active and doing something. Not just anything either, but something beneficial for mother earth.
I also get the people who think you must be a loser without a life if you put up martin houses. This one guy was like "Why would you do that?"
Like there is something wrong with me because I care about things like that.
However, on the more positive note. I have encouraged other people to get into the hobby and the ones who I have encouraged to do so do not regret it.
I also get the people who think you must be a loser without a life if you put up martin houses. This one guy was like "Why would you do that?"
Like there is something wrong with me because I care about things like that.
However, on the more positive note. I have encouraged other people to get into the hobby and the ones who I have encouraged to do so do not regret it.