I guess every year of martineering is different. We've had brood failures before where numerous young weren't fed well enough on account of the weather. Perhaps this year is better, fewer eggs on account of the weather, and maybe a better chance for those young that do hatch.
Hatching is still underway but it looks like we're looking at an average brood size of about three young/nest, this before the inevitable attrition occurs. The 4 day-old brood of four on our school-wide nest cam already has an obvious runt, one nestling that hatched a day late.
Few large insects and no dragonflies have yet been seen delivered to the nest. Mouthfuls of flying ants being the most common food item, and most of these the diminutive male ants.
Heavy thunderstorms again last night and heavy rain, so perhaps relief is in sight. And hopefully the flooded San Antonio river will carry a surge of much needed water down to the coastal marshes.
As of this morning...
8 crescent Big Bos: 4 gourds with young, 4 gourds with eggs.
8 round-hole Carrols: 5 gourds with young, 2 nests with eggs, 1 nest start showing no activity.
8 crescent Naturelines: 3 gourds with young, 3 gourds with eggs, 2 inactive nests.
8 crescent Naturelines w/cling rod: 5 gourds with young, 2 gourds with eggs, 1 inactive nest.
8 WDC Supergourds: 7 gourds with eggs, 1 inactive nest.
5 gourds out of 40 inactive, based upon previous years I expect two or three of these will eventually house SY pairs or late/displaced ASY birds.
Mike Scully
Purple Martin Forum
The internet's gathering place for Purple Martin enthusiasts!