Odd thing happened

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joeincan
Posts: 162
Joined: Mon May 17, 2004 1:14 pm
Location: essex county ontario

Had 5 eggs in the gourd. Then 3. Then none.
Had a vacant compartment in a house above the gourd. Then 4 eggs appeared. hmm
Eggs are not being attended because I see no incoming or outgoing activity.
What gives here? Can martins lift and move eggs?
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DebA
Posts: 1941
Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 7:43 am
Location: Pratt County/Kansas
Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.

I don't think so. Did the new eggs have a built nest or laid in an empty compartment or nest material you provided?

There are times that I watch a particular entrance for quite some time and don't think there is activity when there actually is. Either I missed them or they stayed out longer right then. Unless you nest checked right before watching...could it be that mama was in there setting on her eggs?

The missing eggs are probably due to SY male or HOSP.

Deb
PMCA MEMBER
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR
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joeincan
Posts: 162
Joined: Mon May 17, 2004 1:14 pm
Location: essex county ontario

Empty compartment. No Hosp either.
Somehow the eggs were lifted out of the gourd. Its a fairly large gourd.
I nest check tomorrow. I am waiting for a few young birds to fledge.
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