Deaths at Summer Roost

balinsky · Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:07 pm

We have had a sudden spike in deaths and injuries at our local Purple Martin roost near Austin, Texas at a shopping mall parking lot. For several seasons we have sent volunteers every morning to look for dead and injured birds. In addition to saving the lives of the injured, this has helped us to discover problems like feral cats and raccoons that we have dealt with (using flashing wrapped around tree trunks).

Usually we find 1-5 injured or dead on a typical morning. Suddenly, over the last 3 days (July 1,2,3), we have had an increase to 6, then 13, then 18 dead or injured birds found. Has anyone else experienced this? We haven't seen evidence of fireworks debris, which was my first thought.

Thanks,
Andy

dsonyay · Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:37 am

Oh wow.. so glad someone was thinking to check on the roosts! Thanks!!

Sharon - Central TX · Wed Jul 05, 2023 1:52 pm

Andy,
That is very disturbing. Have there been fireworks around the area, not necessarily right at the roost? Just wondering if they could have been frightened to death. Are there any injuries noted on them?
Our birds have all left and most likely are at the roost. I hate to hear about the losses.
Sharon

Jones4381 · Wed Jul 05, 2023 4:59 pm

balinsky wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:07 pm
We have had a sudden spike in deaths and injuries at our local Purple Martin roost near Austin, Texas at a shopping mall parking lot. For several seasons we have sent volunteers every morning to look for dead and injured birds. In addition to saving the lives of the injured, this has helped us to discover problems like feral cats and raccoons that we have dealt with (using flashing wrapped around tree trunks).

Usually we find 1-5 injured or dead on a typical morning. Suddenly, over the last 3 days (July 1,2,3), we have had an increase to 6, then 13, then 18 dead or injured birds found. Has anyone else experienced this? We haven't seen evidence of fireworks debris, which was my first thought.

Thanks,
Andy

Is there any correlation between the new numbers arriving at the roost compared to where it began, meaning more birds more deaths? What's normal death rate during a roost from beginning to end? Good luck in your inquiry. Could El Nino and warming have an effect?

Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:18 pm

Hi Andy. Give us a call tomorrow to discuss what you're finding and possibilities. 814-833-7656

balinsky wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:07 pm
We have had a sudden spike in deaths and injuries at our local Purple Martin roost near Austin, Texas at a shopping mall parking lot. For several seasons we have sent volunteers every morning to look for dead and injured birds. In addition to saving the lives of the injured, this has helped us to discover problems like feral cats and raccoons that we have dealt with (using flashing wrapped around tree trunks).

Usually we find 1-5 injured or dead on a typical morning. Suddenly, over the last 3 days (July 1,2,3), we have had an increase to 6, then 13, then 18 dead or injured birds found. Has anyone else experienced this? We haven't seen evidence of fireworks debris, which was my first thought.

Thanks,
Andy

Spiderman · Sun Jul 09, 2023 12:03 pm

Every year on the 4th of July we have a few fledglings die from fright. In our town they shoot large fireworks on the dam and living on a lake we are approximately 700 yards from the dam.

In the past I have picked up jumpers at dusk before going out in the boat to view the firework and .even though the fledglings were in the garage and shielded some what from the noise they still died.

alfie · Fri Jul 14, 2023 6:47 am

I'm wondering if it might be the heat. I live outside of Austin in Bastrop county and somewhere I read that once it starts to get above 90 degrees it's becoming too hot for the Martins. I think we've had over 29 days over 100 degrees and they are predicting that the next 2 weeks, and probably beyond, it'll be above 100.