Fireworks and Martins

msalcido · Mon Jun 23, 2014 9:42 am

Does anyone know how badly fireworks disturb the Martins? I have 4 nests left that will be fledging the week of the 4th. Our neighbors usually go all out and set off a lot of fireworks. They use a boat dock that is about 100 ft from my colony. Will the fireworks make the Martins take off at night?

Louise Chambers · Mon Jun 23, 2014 9:49 am

PMCA's nest cam showed martin nestlings sleeping right through the fireworks - like it was a thunderstorm. Our original site was on a lake in Edinboro, PA, and they set off fireworks for the community pretty close to the martin systems.

http://www.purplemartin.org/main/gourdcam_july2001.html

threelilkids · Mon Jun 23, 2014 12:06 pm

Thanks Louise, that was a great read

akp · Wed Jun 25, 2014 9:34 pm

We joke about this every year. I have about 40 pairs and we shoot ours off about 50 yards from the houses. They keep coming back, so they're not too upset with me.

Danno in VB · Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:00 am

msalcido

I have lived on a lake where fireworks are always a big 4th tradition.
My birds don't pay any attention to them.

Martins are a very trusting bird when it comes to human activity.

Dan

msalcido · Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:33 am

Thanks Louise - that was a very helpful read!

I can now rest comfortably knowing they will be OK!