Myth Led, again ?

[stan kostka]

Myth Led, again ?

Most folks are aware by now that the ?2000 mosquitoes a day? claim has been debunked. While this often repeated statement no doubt sold many martin houses, in the end it seems to have tarnished the reputation of The Nature Society, for many years the leading popular voice in martin research and conservation. In spite of all the good JL Wade did for martins at a time when the ?hobby? was going into apparent decline, it seems regrettable that in the end he may very well be remembered most for his association with the great myth.

Mark Twain said History doesn?t necessarily repeat itself, but very often subsequent events do seem to rhyme very well.

I accept the criticism that I may be nitpicking, since the western population is relatively small, and I don?t doubt the PMCA?s commitment to ?wild? western martins, with many articles in the Update, info on the website, and research grants gone west. However, I did cringe a bit when I read the introduction to the 2006 Martin Market Place catalogue, which begins with ?Purple Martins are the only North American species of songbird entirely dependant upon human-supplied nesting cavities for reproduction?, followed by page after page of product marketing.

Martin use of natural cavities still occurs extensively in many western states, and efforts are underway to not only preserve these wild populations, but hopefully to expand them. While specific opinions may differ, there is general consensus among people involved with western martins that for a number of reasons (e.g., historic, distributional, genetic ecology) it is desirable that some component of the population include birds using natural cavities.

So, as a continuing member, I hope the PMCA will correct this small oversight, when doing layout of its 2007catalogue. Beyond that, I would be thrilled to see the Association go beyond it?s current level of support for martins in natural cavities west of the Rockies, and become the leader in promotion, discovery, and or re-establishment of natural cavity use by martins in the East.

We live in a changing world, genetic science tells us that population size is not necessarily directly proportional to population health.

Recent events surrounding the apparently changing fate of the Ivory-billed should have all of us questioning our conceptions, and the ?facts? regarding status of wild birds.

[Sandy - NC]

I understand your frustration, Stan, but I, for one, do not feel that the mosquito deal is debunked. Oh sure, those with fancy degrees, and supposedly hours of unreported research, may claim it is debunked, but I know whenever I am around a bunch of martins, I rarely get bit by said "non food source" for martins. When the martins leave, it certainly does get uncomfortable to sit outside. I have seen my, and other, martins feed low to the ground. While said "non food source" may not make up the bulk of their diet, I know what I have experienced. I could not care any less about what the "experts" with degrees say, but I do believe a lot of what the individual backyard landlord says, because said landlords spend much more time outside, observing, and experimenting with different things. One source spends a lot of time in books and offices, while the other source is actually outdoors.

If the mosquito myth gets housing in the air, to help reproduce more birds to increase the population, I don't have a problem with it. Besides again, I don't believe it is a myth.

Have a great martin year, Stan, and please continue with your work with the western martins.

[Dale Hrncirik]

Hi Sandy,

I'm with you bud! I very rarely if ever have any skeeters in my yard until the martins have left...it's usually August before we have the skeeter invasion. This has been the case for several years now so my thoughts are that if the martins don't eat them, then maybe the skeeters think they do, are skeered, and "bug out" of the area.

Another good thing about the so-called myth is the ability to use it on those that show a disliking towards one's martins. If I catch any flak from my HOA, I'll be sure to use that defense play. Have a great season!

Dale

[John Miller]

Here in St. Louis the most troublesome mosquitoes are invasive "tiger" mosquitoes. These won't breed in water standing over mud, but prefer tree holes and gutters. I'm not sure, but wonder if their populations peek in late summer after rains cease to flush these sources out. All I know for sure is that I'm one of those folks mosquitoes love. If you don't want to be bit, come and sit by me.

Stan -- for what its worth, I think a "martin fest" should be held in Washington. Maybe you could host it! I'd also like to see Update do more coverage of western martins.

John Miller