Martin roost at the OKC Memorial
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
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- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
If anyone can go to the roost this evening or tomorrow - walk around, see what happens, and look for martins on the ground, that would be very helpful. Rescue grounded martins, of course - Wildcare rehab could take them.
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
more people need to post messages on the news site and call them. Only public outrage will make them reconsider. This won't be just and OK problem. 
*bump*
*bump*
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
Makes me sick to think of the great season the birds had in Oklahoma to be harassed like this.
I also hope if they do change their position that we as Martin Landlords will make a donation for clean up. I know I will. I'm not very confident they will change their position
I also hope if they do change their position that we as Martin Landlords will make a donation for clean up. I know I will. I'm not very confident they will change their position
You can also make a post to the news story at the Channel 4 website.
I'm encourage there are 28 dislikes and NO "likes" to the story.
Come on Martin landlords lets get that number closer to 200.
My response pointed out how close the Martin is to our State Bird. Do you think they would have the same response if a flock of Scissortail Flycatchers were roosting there? Do you think there wouldn't be some public outrage?
I'm encourage there are 28 dislikes and NO "likes" to the story.
Come on Martin landlords lets get that number closer to 200.
My response pointed out how close the Martin is to our State Bird. Do you think they would have the same response if a flock of Scissortail Flycatchers were roosting there? Do you think there wouldn't be some public outrage?
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TammyBears
- Posts: 135
- Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2012 4:00 pm
- Location: Bridgecreek, Oklahoma (SW of OKC)
I just posted on the KFOR rant...it's open topic night. Please go to their website and RANT. Let's see if Mr. Ogle will cover this topic on behalf of our precious purple martins!
Tammy
RIP my precious Josie, 7/5/2000-11/6/2014
2015: 22 pair plus lots of bachelors
2014: 25 pair and some bachelor subbies
2013: 17 pair
2012: 7 pair (first year)
RIP my precious Josie, 7/5/2000-11/6/2014
2015: 22 pair plus lots of bachelors
2014: 25 pair and some bachelor subbies
2013: 17 pair
2012: 7 pair (first year)
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Sam Harris
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Thu Mar 05, 2009 9:23 am
- Location: Oklahoma/Choctaw & Tinker AFB
I posted a rant about this too.
Sam
Choctaw, OK
2010...1 pair/5 eggs/5 fledged
2011...2pair/9 eggs/7 fledged
2012...5 pair/28 eggs/25 fledged
2013...12 pair/62 eggs/51 fledged
2014...15 pair/85 eggs/55 fledged
Choctaw, OK
2010...1 pair/5 eggs/5 fledged
2011...2pair/9 eggs/7 fledged
2012...5 pair/28 eggs/25 fledged
2013...12 pair/62 eggs/51 fledged
2014...15 pair/85 eggs/55 fledged
Sam, thanks for blowing the whistle on this. No matter what, at least we can all try to help now.
Never Give Up!
2012 First Year 1 SY pair 7 fledged, 2013 1 SY pair 1 ASY pair 4 fledged, 2014 1 SY pair 2 ASY pair 10 fledged
2012 First Year 1 SY pair 7 fledged, 2013 1 SY pair 1 ASY pair 4 fledged, 2014 1 SY pair 2 ASY pair 10 fledged
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Report from someone who went there last night, shared with her permission:
I have just returned from the Memorial where a road is actually blocked off by 2 fire trucks and trees were being sprayed. The huge flock is nearly all Purple Martins, I am sad to say (guess I was being hopeful earlier). According to a very frustrated security guard this is the second year that PM have been roosting there for over 2 months at a time. They are aware that these are protected birds but have to deal with maintaining a safe and presentable place for visitors too. Despite heavy cleansing rains yesterday, the memorial still stunk of guano and the “towers” were spattered white. I could not reach the lawn of chairs as that is where the spraying was going on - I am sure it is much worse there. It seemed that the firefighters were doing their best to do a sort of "preventative spray" from afar. The water was shot in the air near the trees so that a heavy “rainfall” would fall on the trees - there were not many birds in the trees when they sprayed. Flocks were obviously distressed flying in circles above. It looks as though the birds sought refuge in trees lining a bank parking lot SE of the Memorial. Branches were bowed with squawking, panting PMs (It was 93 degrees at 9:45). It was painful to observe.
News vehicles were on the scene and I am going to share this as a news story to the Editor in Chief of our more liberal paper – The Gazette – immediately.
The good news is that responses to my inquiry on the OKBird Listserv may help provide a solution: http://www.tulsaaudubon.org/purple-martins.htm Apparently, in downtown Tulsa they have had the same problem and came up with effective, but gentle solutions. I am going to contact the Tulsa folks and see how we can duplicate their efforts. Any recommendations or ideas are welcomed.
I have just returned from the Memorial where a road is actually blocked off by 2 fire trucks and trees were being sprayed. The huge flock is nearly all Purple Martins, I am sad to say (guess I was being hopeful earlier). According to a very frustrated security guard this is the second year that PM have been roosting there for over 2 months at a time. They are aware that these are protected birds but have to deal with maintaining a safe and presentable place for visitors too. Despite heavy cleansing rains yesterday, the memorial still stunk of guano and the “towers” were spattered white. I could not reach the lawn of chairs as that is where the spraying was going on - I am sure it is much worse there. It seemed that the firefighters were doing their best to do a sort of "preventative spray" from afar. The water was shot in the air near the trees so that a heavy “rainfall” would fall on the trees - there were not many birds in the trees when they sprayed. Flocks were obviously distressed flying in circles above. It looks as though the birds sought refuge in trees lining a bank parking lot SE of the Memorial. Branches were bowed with squawking, panting PMs (It was 93 degrees at 9:45). It was painful to observe.
News vehicles were on the scene and I am going to share this as a news story to the Editor in Chief of our more liberal paper – The Gazette – immediately.
The good news is that responses to my inquiry on the OKBird Listserv may help provide a solution: http://www.tulsaaudubon.org/purple-martins.htm Apparently, in downtown Tulsa they have had the same problem and came up with effective, but gentle solutions. I am going to contact the Tulsa folks and see how we can duplicate their efforts. Any recommendations or ideas are welcomed.
This is just so upsetting. I typed a second letter to the Governor of Okla. this morning and faxed it. I don't know if she will even see it, but at least I am trying every way I know to help.
Trisha
PMCA member
2019, 36 pair
PMCA member
2019, 36 pair
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Linda Reynolds
- Posts: 1308
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 8:33 pm
- Location: Adamsville, TN
Here is a link to the website for Mick Cornett, the Mayor of OKC. It contains an email link that allows you to send (rather than FAX) information.
http://www.okc.gov/council/mayor/Mayor.html
http://www.okc.gov/council/mayor/Mayor.html
Ever-Grateful,
Linda
Linda
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
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- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
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Trio-Jedi
Radar image of the roost leaving from this morning (at least I think)
http://vortex.plymouth.edu/gen_nids.cgi ... 65¢er=
http://vortex.plymouth.edu/gen_nids.cgi ... 65¢er=
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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Linda Reynolds
- Posts: 1308
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 8:33 pm
- Location: Adamsville, TN
Trisha, thank you for posting the Mayor's address on Facebook. I am unable to share the information, as I am not a FB member.
This situation is very disturbing. Oklahoma City needs to adopt a kinder and gentler attitude towards their avian visitors, AND respect the laws that protect them.
This incident is the second *black eye* for Oklahoma City. Some of you might not be aware of the first, that happened on June 28, 2008 at a Lake Hefner marina when 187 swallows and nests were destroyed by an irritated boater.
The story about the Lake Hefner *incident* can be found here:
http://npaper-wehaa.com/oklahoma-gazett ... icle=55902
Oklahoma City could certainly learn a lesson or two from their sister city of Tulsa, and other cities throughout the country that have embraced this natural phenomenon.
Shame on Oklahoma City!
This situation is very disturbing. Oklahoma City needs to adopt a kinder and gentler attitude towards their avian visitors, AND respect the laws that protect them.
This incident is the second *black eye* for Oklahoma City. Some of you might not be aware of the first, that happened on June 28, 2008 at a Lake Hefner marina when 187 swallows and nests were destroyed by an irritated boater.
The story about the Lake Hefner *incident* can be found here:
http://npaper-wehaa.com/oklahoma-gazett ... icle=55902
Oklahoma City could certainly learn a lesson or two from their sister city of Tulsa, and other cities throughout the country that have embraced this natural phenomenon.
Shame on Oklahoma City!
Ever-Grateful,
Linda
Linda
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Dick Sherry
- Posts: 774
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 5:30 pm
- Location: Tulsa, OK
I have been trying to assist from Tulsa by contacting people who might be able to get involved in Oklahoma City. I have called the Museum, but Kari Watkins is out today. I have left my cell number with their staff, and asked them to pass it on to her, and have her call me.
I have also talked to a reporter at Channel 4, and given her background on the martins and why the safety of these premigration roosts is so important. She would like to be able to interview someone in OKC who can give this type of nformation. Is anyone there willing to do this? You can call my cell: 918-637-4007, and let me know. I will then give your information to the reporter.
The person I spoke to at the Memorial was not sure if they would be trying to disperse the birds tonight or over the weekend.
They seem intent on getting the birds to move the roost site, so we need to make sure it is done in ways that no martins are being injured, and if they are, the injured ones are getting cared for, and the public is made aware of the harm that is being done to the birds.
A lot of good folks are getting involved, and I am grateful for this Forum that links so many martin lovers and helps get quick responses to serious threats to the martins.
I have also talked to a reporter at Channel 4, and given her background on the martins and why the safety of these premigration roosts is so important. She would like to be able to interview someone in OKC who can give this type of nformation. Is anyone there willing to do this? You can call my cell: 918-637-4007, and let me know. I will then give your information to the reporter.
The person I spoke to at the Memorial was not sure if they would be trying to disperse the birds tonight or over the weekend.
They seem intent on getting the birds to move the roost site, so we need to make sure it is done in ways that no martins are being injured, and if they are, the injured ones are getting cared for, and the public is made aware of the harm that is being done to the birds.
A lot of good folks are getting involved, and I am grateful for this Forum that links so many martin lovers and helps get quick responses to serious threats to the martins.
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
There is discussion of the roost here, too: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/OK ... 1342141919
We are continuing to make calls and send emails, I believe they are plan to spray the birds again tonight.
The sad part is, spraying a roost with water for 3 nights will not have the effect they are looking for, it will not make the martins move. At worst it will injure or kill birds. At best, it will wash a bit of the smell of droppings away, at a cost of wasting a lot of man power and water. The martins will leave when they are ready to head south.
We are continuing to make calls and send emails, I believe they are plan to spray the birds again tonight.
The sad part is, spraying a roost with water for 3 nights will not have the effect they are looking for, it will not make the martins move. At worst it will injure or kill birds. At best, it will wash a bit of the smell of droppings away, at a cost of wasting a lot of man power and water. The martins will leave when they are ready to head south.
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Here is the latest information that I have been able to get: US FWS has an ongoing investigation into the Memorial roost in OKC. They do not release information while an investigation is ongoing, but at least we all know it is underway. If we receive any information that we can share, we will do so promptly. I urge anyone who has not written an email or phone call on behalf of the martins to do so - let OKC government know that while we all appreciate the significance of the Memorial to all Americans, such harsh treatment of the Purple Martins at the roost is unacceptable to all of us who care about them and put up homes for them each year.
The birds at this roost come from as many as five states (OK, TX, KS, MO, AR), based on research projects at the Erie PA roost. PMCA banded birds from colonies up to 250 miles away, in all directions, from the roost. Then we looked for those birds at the roost and found them the following year, confirming what a draw a major roost can be. So the OKC roost matters to a lot of landlords, who may not realize those could be the fledglings from their sites being sprayed with fire hoses. Please email or call - the OKC Memorial, mayor's office, city council, governor's office, etc.
The birds at this roost come from as many as five states (OK, TX, KS, MO, AR), based on research projects at the Erie PA roost. PMCA banded birds from colonies up to 250 miles away, in all directions, from the roost. Then we looked for those birds at the roost and found them the following year, confirming what a draw a major roost can be. So the OKC roost matters to a lot of landlords, who may not realize those could be the fledglings from their sites being sprayed with fire hoses. Please email or call - the OKC Memorial, mayor's office, city council, governor's office, etc.
Last edited by Louise Chambers on Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Linda Reynolds
- Posts: 1308
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 8:33 pm
- Location: Adamsville, TN
My anger is soon to get the best of me so I will stop posting about this issue before I get myself in hot water. However, I wanted to share this BS response I just received from the OKC Mayor's office, and suggest that the mayor and/or his staff take their evening showers under the same fire hoses that are NOT injuring these birds:
"Mayor Cornett has received your email regarding the removal of birds at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. I can assure you that Oklahoma City Firefighters are acting under the guidance and supervision of Oklahoma Wildlife Officials. Their actions are taken to discourage the roosting, not to harm the birds in any way. "
"Mayor Cornett has received your email regarding the removal of birds at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. I can assure you that Oklahoma City Firefighters are acting under the guidance and supervision of Oklahoma Wildlife Officials. Their actions are taken to discourage the roosting, not to harm the birds in any way. "
Last edited by Linda Reynolds on Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ever-Grateful,
Linda
Linda
yes, Linda, that is the same response I got to my email. I replied back to her:
This will not discourage them from roosting there. They will stay until they are ready to migrate to south america. This has been confirmed by bird experts. The time to discourage them was in the very beginning when a few birds starting roosting not now when there are thousands...Next year you should prepare yourself better so this does not happen again. In the meantime the water hosing is hurting purple martins and their babies....and we are just asking them to stop using the water hoses.
Thank you for your response. Please forward my response back to the mayor. I have also emailed/faxed the Governor.
Respectfully
This will not discourage them from roosting there. They will stay until they are ready to migrate to south america. This has been confirmed by bird experts. The time to discourage them was in the very beginning when a few birds starting roosting not now when there are thousands...Next year you should prepare yourself better so this does not happen again. In the meantime the water hosing is hurting purple martins and their babies....and we are just asking them to stop using the water hoses.
Thank you for your response. Please forward my response back to the mayor. I have also emailed/faxed the Governor.
Respectfully
Trisha
PMCA member
2019, 36 pair
PMCA member
2019, 36 pair
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Ron Prichard
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2004 8:48 pm
- Location: Oklahoma/Piedmont
I sent an e-mail to Channel 4 in Oklahoma City this morning at 7 am when I discovered we had a problem with our PM's in downtown Oklahoma City. I checked the radar this morning, did not see Martin's and realized there was a problem. We had not seen or heard any news for two days. I then went to the PM Message Board, saw the discussion going on and sent an e=mail to Channel 4. Unfortunately, we left the house to meet our church group in Eastern Oklahoma County for breakfast and didnot get back hom until 30 minutes ago.
The folks at Channel 4 in OKC tried to get hold of me for an interview but doggone it - was not home to receive their calls or the email that they sent to us. They did a story on our PM's last year before the drought hit. They advised they were able to get hold of a "lady" to "get our side of the PM story. They promised me they would call back if they wanted additional information.
Louise Chambers: I was hoping that the "lady" was you that Channel 4 contacted but I believe they wanted a television interview. Did they call you? If not, I hope the "lady" they contacted was a PM enthuisiast.
Gonna due everything I can here.
Ron Prichard, Piedmont, OK
The folks at Channel 4 in OKC tried to get hold of me for an interview but doggone it - was not home to receive their calls or the email that they sent to us. They did a story on our PM's last year before the drought hit. They advised they were able to get hold of a "lady" to "get our side of the PM story. They promised me they would call back if they wanted additional information.
Louise Chambers: I was hoping that the "lady" was you that Channel 4 contacted but I believe they wanted a television interview. Did they call you? If not, I hope the "lady" they contacted was a PM enthuisiast.
Gonna due everything I can here.
Ron Prichard, Piedmont, OK