What will be the effect of our current drought situation in Texas for our returning birds? Isn't this going to effect the bug population? I've not experienced a drought as a landlord until now.
Do you think we should start supplemental feeding from day one? Any suggestions? Thanks Peggy
Droughts
-
Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
Peggy, the adults usually find enough to eat when they arrive as long as the weather is fine, so they should be OK, but some people do like to feed them when they first arrive, as they have made a long trip and they may be weak.
Another time when adults need feed is when it is cold, or raining, for a few days, then they cannot find bugs.
When adults have babies, then a drought could really hurt them bad, the babies would be too poor to fly, and during such times, it would be great to feed them.
If you try feeding them, let us know if it was successful. Sometimes its hard to get them to take food until they learn how to take it.
Another time when adults need feed is when it is cold, or raining, for a few days, then they cannot find bugs.
When adults have babies, then a drought could really hurt them bad, the babies would be too poor to fly, and during such times, it would be great to feed them.
If you try feeding them, let us know if it was successful. Sometimes its hard to get them to take food until they learn how to take it.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
-
Peggy Riley
- Posts: 885
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:21 pm
- Location: TX/Tolar
Emil, I've not had to supplemental feed in the years past but it is so dry now and our ponds & lakes are slowing drying up I am afraid what is going to happen. I maybe worrying for nothing but the weather service is not hopeful that it is going to break anytime in the near future. As last summer ended it seemed we had very few bugs of any kind. Very few grasshoppers, crickets or dragonflies. I wonder if it was the lack of moisture in the ground or just one of those years.
I guess I will get set to order crickets and play it by ear. Thanks Peggy
I guess I will get set to order crickets and play it by ear. Thanks Peggy