Purple Martin Forum

Thanks, I am relieved there is no direct evidence that a development such as this will harm the birds. I worried that the loss of the ponds would trigger a loss of the damsel flies and dragonflies that they feed on. I still am worried that drainage issues will make it difficult to access the housing...

I need advice, personal notes, studies or research to help me here. We live on 6 acres, with ponds here south of Winnipeg, Mb. We have four Martin set-ups, plus several bluebird and tree-swallow houses. There is grasslands at the back. The property, also 6 acres next door has been sold, all top soil...

I also agree, larger blocks please.

We have often had 7 eggs in a clutch, and they will often all hatch. If it is a perfect feeding year, ie good weather, not too many rainy days in a row etc, so no one falls behind, they will occasionally all fledge, but usually only 5 or 6 will.

from southern Manitoba. I'm glad they are not back yet here. Snow on ground, freezing overnight temps and wet. Hope they wait a bit.

Fell behind the others, sadly, but I believe for the best really.

I'm delighted!! I had hoped some of these would move to other colonies being set up in n southern Manitoba. I'll try to keep sending more. Congrats on the babies!
Maxinem

On our recent nest check we found a nestling 2-3 days old with no eyes, among a clutch of five who all had eyes (although not open) The affected one was smaller than the others. I've never seen this anomaly before. Anyone else? Lots of rainy days and humidity in southern Manitoba. Martins, although ...

I can't find pine straw here in southern Manitoba. I really didn't like using cedar or ash shavings (too wet), but have had good luck using Orchard Grass. Smells really nice, clean and dry. Some Martins throw it all out, most don't.

Greetings all, from snowy southern Manitoba, Canada. We now have a 1-1½ feet of a new fresh blanket of snow, which is very nice for the gardens. Looks like a Victorian Christmas Card here. It is also unfortunately very cold at -30 degrees C, or -22 F. Luckily, there is no wind, just bright sunny ski...

Another thing, in summer it gets pretty hot in southern Manitoba, accompanied by bug, bugs bugs. Lots of easy food. I just wish they would eat more.

Ugg, just getting the data off today! Hope it's not too late. Still doing fall gardening work. I wish it would snow!! I'm tired

Southern Manitoba Aug 30, 14 It seems we have a "mini-roost" going on here today, with many many birds doing giant arial circling, repeated landing and take-offs from the houses, lots of noise. Many of these birds are youngsters, clearly in flight training. Lovely, like a long good-bye.

Our final fledges here were Aug 28, and Aug 29. This is certainly a record for us here in southern Manitoba. Many birds are flying, circling, "flight training" here today. I'm sure we are collecting birds from Alberta, Sask. as well as Manitoba and sending them south to you all soon. Fortu...

From the bottom of my heart, thanks to all who help the Martins on their way up north with feeding and places to roost.

We also have very few martins this spring. Our colony located just south of the city, well maintained also, for 20ish years, with good success. This year have only about 7-8 birds back, which have not seen for 3-4 days now. Has been very cold, raining and now snow this morning. The very few that did...

I also have extra gourds, filled, ready to go. Makes nest changes much easier. I can then hose the dirty ones off, dry them in the sun, and have them ready to go also. I have the gourd numbers on the arm, so I can still keep track. I have never noticed a moments delay of the parents going back in

After raining all night last night, and heavily all day today, about 20 Martins showed up. As we are having a flood as well, my husband waded out in chest waders ( the water is way deeper than his waders) to put the thankfully, pre-prepared houses up. We are now (at 6:30 pm) getting high winds, and ...

This is so interesting. I went on, put in my info, everything fine. Now I have my name right at the top, and not on the list with everybody else. Sheepishly I goofed. Please help.

We, just south of Winnipeg are ready also. We are also awaiting your flood water, which can sometimes make access to our houses difficult ( ie by boat!) Grand Forks is two hours south of Winnipeg, Manitoba on the Red River. I hear it wasn't too bad for you this year. Very early, warm, dry spring her...