Dead bird!

[Mr. K.]

This morning I noticed more activity than usual. Much singing, jumping around, flying back and forth. Went to church at 11 am, then out to eat lunch. Got back home around 1:30 or so and a Martin was clinging to the edge of the porch of one unit. I noticed it didn't seem to move and looked odd the way it was clinging. It was dead. A male. It's neck was caught between the predator bars and was broken. It was hanging by it's neck. I don't know if this was an accident, a fight with another male, or a predator attack. I do know there were more birds this morning than usual, and one Martin in particular, a male, kept latching on at this exact spot right in front of an opening. I saw two birds hit the ground as if fighting. That's where I am leaning. I welcome any opinions. Thanks.

[Chuck4]

Hi there Mr. K-

First, I want to say how sorry I am to hear that you lost a martin! I am learning as my colony grows that they are very aggressive when defending territory. I go out and observe my martins every morining before heading to work. I have seen a lot of male/male fighting this past week especially. It scares me because I know there is always the chance one will not fly back up to his house. As much as it bothers me, I have to let them be birds and fight for dominance (let nature be). Wishing you the best!

[Mr. K.]

Thanks. I do believe that is what happened here. The male/male fighting. It was just disturbing how its neck was bent over under the guard rails. I know I have to let them be, but it was painful for me to see one of them dead.

[John & Linda - KY]

Keep in mind that all martins have to die eventually. Now, it is our preference that they die somewhere else so that we never know about it, but this isn't really realistic. The more martins you host and the longer you host them, the more you will find dead, it's a fact of being a landlord. Take comfort in knowing that you provided a wonderful home for them. -- John

[Louise Chambers]

You might be able to do a safety improvement by fastening an extra horizontal rod to the exterior of porch rail, so there's no way a martin could get head through, or simply remove the porch rails entirely. We can't prevent all accidents, and this may never happen again.

[Mr. K.]

Thanks all. I am going to modify the rails. There is that area where his head was caught that either needs to be opened up some or closed up. I do believe they had fought. I do have some ASY males that are pretty aggressive. Had one swoop down within 3 or 4 ft. of my head and fussing. I also know that if I never have a Martin house I never see them die. I chose to start this hobby knowing this would happen sooner or later. I accept this, but do not like it. When your colony is small, losing one bird is a large percentage. Maybe I'll add another house.

[Anthony Neira]

So sorry for your lost. You're on the right track with another house. If you know anyone near, or going near San Antonio , Tx., I'm going to give away 2 older Mss12 houses to any Martin host who will make them 12 x 6 rooms. These come without doors and will have single rails. Good luck, hang in there!