MIA

[adrianhans]

Last year was my first year to put up martin housing. I was disappointed that it only attracted one pair. Now, I realize after reading posts that this was not a small accomplishment. Anyway, I anxiously awaited their return this year, and they did not disappoint me. Another young couple has also taken up residency. I am only there on week-ends (Port O'Connor, TX), so I am curious what could have happened in the interim.
I did a nest check on May 6 and had 4 eggs in the returning couple's gourd. On May 13, the nest contained 5 eggs. I had been watching the couple build the nest up to taking in green leaves. The male was most entertaining as he would puff up his black feathers and in his most studly voice, sing away. However, on this very week-end, I did not see the older male anymore. I was somewhat disconcerted because close to the housing, I found the remains of a mourning dove. It was as if the dove had been laid out on its back and picked clean--the wings, head and tail feathers somewhat in proper positioning. No sign of problems in the nest, no black feathers anywhere, cresant shaped entrances to keep out starlings, etc. I was afraid that the future fledglings would be doomed because I keep reading about the monoganous relationship of the martins. How could the female feed all of those babies alone?
Now, May 20 revealed that a new, young (gray breasted) male has taken up with the female. He goes into the gourd with her at night. Is this love on the rebound common? Will he care for the young as if they were his own? This is better than reality TV.

[Sparky]

Could have been Hawk or Owl activity. The male ASY may have got snatched somewhere in the process. It may have occurred away from the housing as well.