Seeking warmth
With the last few days being dreary and cool I noticed how the Martins have been sluggish just sitting on their porch with their feathers fluffed. But also what I have not seen before is that they congregate on my roof which is about eight feet from their condo. I’m guessing the shingles are warm from daylight radiation even though it’s been cloudy. The weather looks like it’s going to warm up a bit so I’m anxious to see them flying around and chirping again. As always good luck to all.
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Dave Duit
- Posts: 2145
- Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Iowa / Nevada
- Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to [email protected]. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.
Hi Duke,
You are correct.The martins will sit on the roof shingles to absorb heat. If you scramble eggs in little pieces without using oil; do so and spread them on the roof if possible. The martins are looking for food in addition to heat to survive.
You are correct.The martins will sit on the roof shingles to absorb heat. If you scramble eggs in little pieces without using oil; do so and spread them on the roof if possible. The martins are looking for food in addition to heat to survive.
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Dave Duit
- Posts: 2145
- Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Iowa / Nevada
- Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to [email protected]. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.
Hi Duke,
If you can supplement feed the martins with frozen and thawed crcikets, place the crickets on their cavity porches or just inside the cavity / house / gourd. If you choose scrambled eggs, don't use oil to prepare the scrambled eggs and cut them up into small pieces.
If you can supplement feed the martins with frozen and thawed crcikets, place the crickets on their cavity porches or just inside the cavity / house / gourd. If you choose scrambled eggs, don't use oil to prepare the scrambled eggs and cut them up into small pieces.