Went out today to check the nests and pull out the sparrow nesting mess. I had done it on Friday and although there were 3 'juvenile" nests and 1 mature nest there were no leaves in the nest and no sign of eggs. Today when I lowered the nest I saw one little egg on the ledge of the house ...... looked smashed on the bottom...... but when I checked inside the nest there were THREE eggs. Now I have new questions.....
1. Why was one egg 'thrown out'.?
2. Should I still lower the nest every two or three days to remove the sparrow nesting stuff (it is always on the opposite side from the nest with the eggs in it.)?
3. How long is incubation period?
4. Do you think we will have more than three eggs?
Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
2. I do not allow English House Sparrows to nest in my Purple Martin housing - period. Pulling their nests out can cause HOSP revenge. It is best to trap them or shoot them when possible. But, it is essential that they be eliminated as "nest competitors".
3. The incubation period for Purple Martin eggs is 15 days from date of last egg. They don't start incubation until they have completed their clutch. The young will fledge after about 28 days.
4. We have no way of knowing whether your pair will lay more eggs. 4 - 6 is normal with 7 and 8 being laid frequently this season.
This website is loaded with information. I recommend you read everything you can and if you have any more questions, we're here to help! Good luck to you and best wishes for those little eggs to develop into some gorgeous Purple Martin fledglings.
Went out today to check the nests and pull out the sparrow nesting mess. I had done it on Friday and although there were 3 'juvenile" nests and 1 mature nest there were no leaves in the nest and no sign of eggs. Today when I lowered the nest I saw one little egg on the ledge of the house ...... looked smashed on the bottom...... but when I checked inside the nest there were THREE eggs. Now I have new questions.....