Babies in Plantation, Florida

[Stingray]

As you may recall, we are new landlords.

We attracted one pair that stayed, nested and now I believe, has some hatchlings!

I watched the adults go into their compartment three times today.... each time carrying a dragonfly with them.
As soon as one adult entered, the other would exit.
From what I've read, I do believe that this behavior is indicative of babies.

Correct me if I'm being presumptuous, but I do believe we got young 'uns!

One sure way to tell is to do a nest check.

I'm going to wait a few days before I lower the pm house to confirm.

I wish you all continued success!

Pedro

[Donna - TX]

Pedro,

To make sure everything is o.k. I would go ahead and do a nest check. You also need to mark the date they were born so you know when they will fledge, that way you will know when they are at least 26 days old (the earliest possible fledging). You also need to make sure you do not have a dead baby, parasites, etc. This is what I do because it also gives me peace of mind knowing everything is o.k.

[floridasunshinegoddess]

Pedro,

Congratulations!!! You definitely have babies!!! Way to go!

Now if they're taking in Dragonflies, they are more than just newly hatched. (In the beginning they bring in smaller insects.) I would do a nest check for all the reasons Donna mentioned. You may need to do a nest replacement if its infested with mites, soiled, wet, etc. Check the archives for more information on how to do this.

Also, since you don't know when the eggs hatched, you need to determine the age of your nestlings. If you have pictures of nestlings to go by, then do the best you can to come close to their age. The PMCA sells a laminated diagram that you can actually hold a nestling up to and very accurately determine its age... but that won't do you much good now if you don't already have one.

I don't lower my pole when I have nestlings 24 days or older in order to prevent premature fledging. Hopefully yours are not that old yet. If you think they are, I wouldn't lower the pole. They fledge from 26-32 days naturally but hastening that by spooking them from their nest only has disastrous results.

I wish you the best and again, congratulations!

[Stingray]

Pedro,

Congratulations!!! You definitely have babies!!! Way to go!

Now if they're taking in Dragonflies, they are more than just newly hatched. (In the beginning they bring in smaller insects.) I would do a nest check for all the reasons Donna mentioned. You may need to do a nest replacement if its infested with mites, soiled, wet, etc. Check the archives for more information on how to do this.

Also, since you don't know when the eggs hatched, you need to determine the age of your nestlings. If you have pictures of nestlings to go by, then do the best you can to come close to their age. The PMCA sells a laminated diagram that you can actually hold a nestling up to and very accurately determine its age... but that won't do you much good now if you don't already have one.

I don't lower my pole when I have nestlings 24 days or older in order to prevent premature fledging. Hopefully yours are not that old yet. If you think they are, I wouldn't lower the pole. They fledge from 26-32 days naturally but hastening that by spooking them from their nest only has disastrous results.

I wish you the best and again, congratulations!

Barb,

Thanks for the congrats!
We're excited about it. We are enjoying these little guys so much.

Is there a "best time" to do nest checks?

I have read that between late morning and late afternoon is best.

Pedro,

To make sure everything is o.k. I would go ahead and do a nest check. You also need to mark the date they were born so you know when they will fledge, that way you will know when they are at least 26 days old (the earliest possible fledging). You also need to make sure you do not have a dead baby, parasites, etc. This is what I do because it also gives me peace of mind knowing everything is o.k.

Donna,

Thanks for well wishes!

I can understand the "peace of mind" thinking.
I will do a nest check today if possible and find out.
Cross your fingers for me!

Best of luck to you both..

By the way,, very nice site you have!


Regards,

Pedro

[floridasunshinegoddess]

Hi Pedro,

I try to time my nest checks to be done at the brightest and hottest time of the day as there have been hawks in the area and they are less apt to be out at that time. The Martins will often get pretty vocal and swoop around when you do the checks and that can get the attention of hawks. Also, when you have more than one pair, the ones that don't have nestlings may be out feeding then so there will be fewer birds to cause commotion. Around 2-4 PM works well for me.

Let us know how your nest check goes.

[Donna - TX]

Barb is right, be on the lookout for hawks. I can't always wait for afternoon so my husband looks out for hawks before, during and after the check. It is always best to have two people doing nest checks if you can.

Hope everything goes well and take pictures if you can they are always fun to look back on especially your First.

[Stingray]

Hi Pedro,

I try to time my nest checks to be done at the brightest and hottest time of the day as there have been hawks in the area and they are less apt to be out at that time. The Martins will often get pretty vocal and swoop around when you do the checks and that can get the attention of hawks. Also, when you have more than one pair, the ones that don't have nestlings may be out feeding then so there will be fewer birds to cause commotion. Around 2-4 PM works well for me.

Let us know how your nest check goes.

Barb is right, be on the lookout for hawks. I can't always wait for afternoon so my husband looks out for hawks before, during and after the check. It is always best to have two people doing nest checks if you can.

Hope everything goes well and take pictures if you can they are always fun to look back on especially your First.

Thank you both very much!
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me.

I will keep you posted and hopefully have some pics to share.

Best regards,
Pedro