I mentioned in a previous post how our PMs frequently visit our site, and then disappear for days at a time during which bad weather moves through. Almost like they can sense the weather's approach.
Our PMs circle above our site. They land on it. Climb all over the housing, investigating the nesting compartments. But they never go in, and they haven't started courting or nesting. It seems as if we mostly get males, with a couple females that drop by sometimes too.
My questions are: how long does the nesting period last in Texas? Is it possible that "our" PMs (the birds that use our nesting site) haven't arrived yet? And, if the PMs that are already at our site are "ours," is it possible that they haven't started nesting yet, or are waiting for some reason?
It's mystifying. All I can do is provide safe housing for the birds. Beyond that, it's up to the PMs, I guess.
Got Martins, but no nesting. Questions.
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Guest
hehe, somehow I doubt my PMs have political issues with me.
Seriously, though. Not sure what's going on. I suppose these could be just part of a long trail of scouts, judging by what the '06 Scout Report indicates.
Then again there's the Katrina factor. Maybe our birds got pasted when the storm hit the Pontchartrain roost?
Then again, maybe I should just focus on managing the HOSP and let the PMs do what they're gonna do!
Seriously, though. Not sure what's going on. I suppose these could be just part of a long trail of scouts, judging by what the '06 Scout Report indicates.
Then again there's the Katrina factor. Maybe our birds got pasted when the storm hit the Pontchartrain roost?
Then again, maybe I should just focus on managing the HOSP and let the PMs do what they're gonna do!
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Guest
I am having the same problem, Aggiemeen! Our PM's came, and went, come and go, but still no nesting.
I honestly think it's this drought. Our stock tanks are low by almost 14 feet; we have barn swallows already in place with their first fledglings in the air, and with no rain I just don't think there are enough insects to draw the martins.
We had three pair that began nest building last week, but all three have left. They come back in the evening, then leave again before dusk.
I think it's the drought conditions. It's just too dry for them.
That, or the RedTailed Hawks perched along Wellborn Road and SH 6 have them looking for less hostile territory. I don't know which.
Texas Maam
I honestly think it's this drought. Our stock tanks are low by almost 14 feet; we have barn swallows already in place with their first fledglings in the air, and with no rain I just don't think there are enough insects to draw the martins.
We had three pair that began nest building last week, but all three have left. They come back in the evening, then leave again before dusk.
I think it's the drought conditions. It's just too dry for them.
That, or the RedTailed Hawks perched along Wellborn Road and SH 6 have them looking for less hostile territory. I don't know which.
Texas Maam