So skidish!

[Gobbler T]

My martins have no problem with me walking straight out my back door and right under them. But if I so much as go 5 feet the other side of the rack, they are gone! So there's no going to my shed or the garden without scaring them. With them sitting right now I am a little worried about keeping them off their nest for any length of time. I know it won't hurt for a few minutes, but it takes more then a few minutes to hoe the garden out. Of course I could use that for an excuse to get out of working in the garden, but my stomach agrees with my wife!

On a brighter note, only one more week until BABIES!!! I'm so glad the projected date is on Sat, so I can be here. If I've got this figured right, fledge date will be July 5, maybe even the 4th! What a celebration we'll have here! All the more reason to shoot off fireworks.

[MamaBruff]

AND more Happy Dancing!

Ya know, I wonder if you made a "scarecrow" out of your old clothes, gloves and a hat, and placed it where they could see it, but not close, like off in a corner... Then move it gradually to the garden, then wouldn't they get used to seeing "you" out there, and therefore not get so spooked? Just a thought.

Mary

[Gobbler T]

Funny thing is, I have one in the shed! Tried to keep the starling's from steeling leaves off my baby squash plant a few years ago. Didn't work, they killed my squash!

Never seen it before or since.

[Chuck4]

That is some interesting behavior Tony. I think I should have fledglings about the same time you do. Can't wait!

[AidanRois]

Mine are the same way. They don't care if I walk this way, but if I go that way, it's unacceptable lol. They're so funny.

Looks like our Mississippi crew will all be going into July this year. I've several due to fledge with y'all. Better get y'alls cooling methods ready just in case, cause if it ends up like last year, we'll probably need it.

[AvianStewardess]

I referred to the established colony that was here when I moved here as "my shy martins". That house got hit in the Derecho last year and so was replaced. Don't know how many of that colony is still here, but this year's group is a lot less shy. They're even tolerating the Dachshund chasing their shadows when they fly, which resulted in major dive-bombing last year.

At first, I was taking all kinds of detours not to disturb them but it got kind of ridiculous and the dogs weren't listening anyways and as much as I hate weeding the garden was suffering, so I just started going about without hesitancy but kept my head down so no eye contact. I think that made them calmer, actually. By the end of the season, can't say that they were the most social gang but at least I knew that life could go on as usual.

Good luck!

[Gobbler T]

They are funny about what is acceptable and what is not. I read post about them not even moving during nest checks, and mine won't sit there while I'm 50 feet away.
We have a blue minature dachshund, and they dont mind her laying right under the pole, running around, or even barking, but even she can't go to the forbidden zone.
As for the fledging in July, at least mine will be early July. Might just beat the bad heat. I've got 2 tiny cage fans from a bathroom exaust. I thought about hanging one of those blowing on their gourd. Not a whole lot of air, but just a breeze, and not a lot of noise. Of course if I were to fill up next year I would have to tear out a whole lot of bathrooms!

[DebA]

Tony, I love your ideas.

I would keep going in the zone and do how Michelle advised by not making eye contact. After babies I bet you get dive bombed too. Next year, like TonyG, they just might land on your hat! LOL.
Deb