Hi,
Last year I found a home with 5 Martin houses, this piqued my interest. I spoke to the owner and he shared information with me. I am now a new landlord in waiting. Early this morning I went to see how his houses were doing and three were on the ground, one was filled with house sparrows and the other was empty. I watched for 2 hours,there was not one Martin in sight. I would like to write the owner a letter or ask him what's going on but my husband thinks it's rude. I need an opinion from a Purple Martin lover.
D.
Unattended Martin houses
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CUL Lou~Mich
Denise. I wouldn't see how it could be thought to be rude to ask questions. Perhaps the former owner has moved, or become ill or disabled. Possibly the former owner (if they still live there) would appreciate some help with the colony. If it's new owners, possibly they don't know what to do, and could use some pointers. I've always figured the worst someone can do is tell me to get off their property. So far that's never happened. I've been ignored, I've been told the S&S and PMs get along just fine (Although there were no PMs.) I've been told the owner would like help, and would contact me. (Only to hear nothing from them.) Of course it would depend on the persons attitude in asking questions as to whether it was rude or not too. I'd say go ahead and check it out. See if some help might be appreciated. Otherwise, you need to have plenty of open housing if you're closeby. CUL Lou
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John Miller
- Posts: 4866
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
I agree with Cul Lou. I've taken up this battle before with a snooty institution and been pretty well told, there there, we'll take care of it. I've driven up in a stranger's driveway before and offered advice -- trying to open the conversation with a joke -- and got a better reception. Just open by saying something like, "I don't know if ya'll could use some help....." If they say no, you've done your best.
John Miller
John Miller
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Guest
Thanks CUL~Lou & John Miller, I will take your advice. It's too sad to see the houses not being used or maintained.
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Joe Zorn
Hi Denise,
Obviously, you met someone last year who dearly cared for his martins. For some reason this year, he cannot. If you lived in my area of South Louisiana, I would suspect that hurricane damage laid them down, and the owners are disabled or never returned from the evacuation of Katrina or Rita.
Didn't west central Florida take a lot of winds from a couple of those storms last year (There were 15 named Hurricanes last year - the previous record was 12 in one year)?
I'd go visit him again, especially since you met him last year, and he gave you the direction necessary to get a start of your own. Stopping by to say hello would not upset him if he was amicable last year and is still there.
Just some thoughts.
Joe
Obviously, you met someone last year who dearly cared for his martins. For some reason this year, he cannot. If you lived in my area of South Louisiana, I would suspect that hurricane damage laid them down, and the owners are disabled or never returned from the evacuation of Katrina or Rita.
Didn't west central Florida take a lot of winds from a couple of those storms last year (There were 15 named Hurricanes last year - the previous record was 12 in one year)?
I'd go visit him again, especially since you met him last year, and he gave you the direction necessary to get a start of your own. Stopping by to say hello would not upset him if he was amicable last year and is still there.
Just some thoughts.
Joe
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Joe Zorn
Denise,
On further thought, if I'd had those housed downed last fall, after the recent surgeries I've had. They would still be down today, unless a friend or neighbor offered to put them back up for me. I would not even be much help, other than offering good conversation and a "cool one" from a lawn chair. My kids have "fledged" and are no longer in the area.
If he is still living there, he may very much appreciate whatever help you can muster so that he can enjoy his maritns again this year. Like the others said - if not, then you will have tried.
Joe
On further thought, if I'd had those housed downed last fall, after the recent surgeries I've had. They would still be down today, unless a friend or neighbor offered to put them back up for me. I would not even be much help, other than offering good conversation and a "cool one" from a lawn chair. My kids have "fledged" and are no longer in the area.
If he is still living there, he may very much appreciate whatever help you can muster so that he can enjoy his maritns again this year. Like the others said - if not, then you will have tried.
Joe