in my PM house.
I haven't seen my PMs that arrived on 4/7 since yesterday morning (4/12).
I took the house down this afternoon to check it out and I found what is pictured here.
I've seen starlings and cowbirds (black birds about the size of martins but with a brownish head).
I'm pretty sure this is not PM nesting activity, but I want to be sure before I rip it out.
I'm stalking those dang starlings, by the way.
Have my PMs left for good because of the other birds? Can I hope they'll come back?
I need help identifying this nesting.....
Hi Phillip
Up here in Michigan that would be the start of a starling nest
In the past I have had a pair of starlings actually have a finished nest with a couple of eggs before I caught a glimpse of one of them going in just before dark.One thing I know about starlings they are very smart they (especially if your hunting them) they wont be building if they see any person around. Before I would tear that nest out I would watch very close to make sure it is a starling Hope this helps
Kevin
Up here in Michigan that would be the start of a starling nest
In the past I have had a pair of starlings actually have a finished nest with a couple of eggs before I caught a glimpse of one of them going in just before dark.One thing I know about starlings they are very smart they (especially if your hunting them) they wont be building if they see any person around. Before I would tear that nest out I would watch very close to make sure it is a starling Hope this helps Kevin
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Guest
Phillip,
I'm not 100% sure it's a starling. Around here, the use grass, but I guess that would depend on what they have to use. I haven't ever seen green leaves in one. I would watch to be sure.
Chuck
I'm not 100% sure it's a starling. Around here, the use grass, but I guess that would depend on what they have to use. I haven't ever seen green leaves in one. I would watch to be sure.
Chuck
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Guest
I would watch the nest a little more closely, especially in the morning when they like to do a lot of the nest work.
. I've had a couple of Martin nests that start out looking like that, but they usually use smaller leaves. Is there any indication of a circular area in the middle of all that? The Martins will turn in circles, scratching the leaves and sticks into a bowl shape and then often line that with more leaves. Also.. is there any indication of a mud dam? While not all Martins use the mud, many do and if present that would give a good indication that it's a Martins nest.
Let us know what you discover.
. I've had a couple of Martin nests that start out looking like that, but they usually use smaller leaves. Is there any indication of a circular area in the middle of all that? The Martins will turn in circles, scratching the leaves and sticks into a bowl shape and then often line that with more leaves. Also.. is there any indication of a mud dam? While not all Martins use the mud, many do and if present that would give a good indication that it's a Martins nest.
Let us know what you discover.
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phillip26r
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:52 pm
- Location: Tennessee/Lexington
Well, it's definitely starlings. Some of the work in the house may be from the PMs, but they are nowhere to be found. I've ordered SREH attachments; until they arrive I'll just have to keep shooting....
Is there any hope that the pair I had will return?
Is there any hope that the pair I had will return?