Cool martin behavior

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Bill Hyde
Posts: 287
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 8:59 am
Location: Illinois/Roscoe

There is a teacher in Texas who has martins at his school and who deals with two problems: sparrows and students. He once noted that it takes 20 days for a sparrow pair to complete a nesting cycle from nest building to the babies fledging. He said that he takes his time and rips out sparrow nests any time during the 20-day cycle when the students aren't watching. I think he's solved his public relations problem and, at the same time, deals with his sparrow problem too! :grin:
PMCA member
2011 - 1 SY pair w/ 2 HY fledged
2012 - 5 breeding pairs
2013 - 14 nesting pairs and several singles
2014 - 8 nesting pairs
2015 - 5 nesting prs w/mostly ASY parents
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Dave Duit
Posts: 2146
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
Location: Iowa / Nevada
Martin Colony History: In 2026, 88 pair with 333 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to [email protected]. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.

My martins are bundled up 3 to four per compartment trying to survive. Feed them 6 dozen scrambled eggs. Many are staying in houses not venturing out even to eat. I've placed the scrambled eggs on the porches and also a feel tray. 30 degrees and 25 mile per hour winds tonight. Lets pray for one dry day with temps above 50 here in Iowa.
ImageMite control, heat venting, predator protection and additional feeding during bad weather add up to success.
ImageIPMO LOGO1.jpg
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sherylsr
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:58 pm
Location: Blanco, Texas

I'm quite disappointed. The pair only stayed that first night. Then the male returned alone the next three nights. I don't think he returned tonight, but I didn't outside this time (allergiees). I did watch and listen through the oak limbs, but I didn't see anyone fly in the house. Sigh........
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sherylsr
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:58 pm
Location: Blanco, Texas

He must have stayed last night after all because I checked out there with my binocs after 8 this morn, and I could see a male martin perched on the top floor porch!!!!!
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BuddyS
Posts: 49
Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2013 11:10 am
Location: MO/Chesterfield

Congrats Sheryl on your triumph! I too have been waiting 5 years, but none yet (so far). I have been fighting HOSP to keep me occupied.
The weather here in St. Louis has been all over the place, and hopefully will start to get consistent. Hope you fill up all of your compartments!

Buddy
Buddy Sowell
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