Swimming pool
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Connie
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
- Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
- Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
This is the second time in 2 days I have been outside and watched a fledgling try to get water from my in ground pool. I have never seen the adults do this.(I often wondered why not) It is very nerve wracking since they are not good flyers. I wonder why this is the first time I am seeing this? It is dang sure not because we are lacking in water. It has been raining here every day since spring and I am not talking sprinkles. I guess it could be the same baby bird. If so, I sure wish he/she would stop before he gives me a heart attack.
Connie
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Connie,
It is so good to hear from you.
That fledgling is bold. Do you have a chlorinated or saltwater pool?
Either way I don't think that your pool water will be a problem for it to drink.
I imagine your concern is that the fledgling will get caught in the pool water.
Mark.
It is so good to hear from you.
That fledgling is bold. Do you have a chlorinated or saltwater pool?
Either way I don't think that your pool water will be a problem for it to drink.
I imagine your concern is that the fledgling will get caught in the pool water.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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Connie
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
- Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
- Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
Matt and Mark,
Hi Guys!
Yes, this baby is drinking water! And yes, what I am worried about is it falling in the pool when I'm not around. He/she is definitely brave. Flying skills are getting better everyday so I'm not as worried as I was the other day when I posted about it.
Today I have a new problem.
I found a new little one on the ground. Not quite old enough to fledge. I have put it back in a gourd with some others around the same edge but it continues to jump out.
Any suggestions?
Hi Guys!
Yes, this baby is drinking water! And yes, what I am worried about is it falling in the pool when I'm not around. He/she is definitely brave. Flying skills are getting better everyday so I'm not as worried as I was the other day when I posted about it.
Today I have a new problem.
I found a new little one on the ground. Not quite old enough to fledge. I have put it back in a gourd with some others around the same edge but it continues to jump out.
Any suggestions?
Connie
Look at my posting in the oppressive heat thread. My theory is the hot air has less bugs and the parents cannot get enough food. I sure hope I can get some crickets on the way home.
2 dead jumpers already.
No mites that I can tell.
2 dead jumpers already.
No mites that I can tell.2014 8 gourds, 3 pairs nested. Ended w/ 24 total
2015 24 gourds, 22 nests. Lotsa birds!
2016 24 gourds and good activity.
2017 32 SREH gourds. Great activity.
2018 40 SREH gourds. Good finish despite big storm damage. No more dangling gourds.
2019 56+ SREH gourds, all on 3/8 rods. Birds did very well.
2020 56 SREH gourds.
2015 24 gourds, 22 nests. Lotsa birds!
2016 24 gourds and good activity.
2017 32 SREH gourds. Great activity.
2018 40 SREH gourds. Good finish despite big storm damage. No more dangling gourds.
2019 56+ SREH gourds, all on 3/8 rods. Birds did very well.
2020 56 SREH gourds.