Cool Rainy and windy weather starting to take it's toll
Did my fifth nest check of the season today and we have lost a dozen little ones in the last week of varying ages. By the looks of the deceased, most have died within the last 24 hours. Have a nest cam in one gourd, all were alive this morning and lost one this afternoon. We have had over 4 inches of rain in the last seven days here in Central Ohio, and I don't believe the parents can collect enough bugs to keep chicks alive. Supposed to be cool and rainy again this week. Starting to get a bit worried. What started out as an excellent year is turning sour.
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DebA
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 7:43 am
- Location: Pratt County/Kansas
- Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.
Hey Big T,
Are you able to get crickets? Freeze...thaw...and place on porches for the parents to feed the babies? This could make an immediate difference. Or scramble some eggs for them, not using any cooking spray or oil, cut in small pieces and do the same placement.
Sorry you have had losses. That always stinks.
Deb
Are you able to get crickets? Freeze...thaw...and place on porches for the parents to feed the babies? This could make an immediate difference. Or scramble some eggs for them, not using any cooking spray or oil, cut in small pieces and do the same placement.
Sorry you have had losses. That always stinks.
Deb
PMCA MEMBER
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR
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KBoothby
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2015 10:05 am
- Location: Ontario/Langton
- Martin Colony History: 2021: 46 pairs
2020: 39 pairs (24 gourds added for total of 54 cavities)
2019: 22 pairs
2018: 19 pairs
2017: 25 pairs (condo predators - steps taken)
2016: 22 pairs
2015: 17 pairs
2014: 9 pairs
2013: 7 pairs (12 gourds added for total of 30 cavities)
2012: 1 pair
2011: 1 pair (first year: 14 rm condo/4 gourds)
We've had a really terrible cool, windy weekend with torrential rain (3+ inches) and no insects flying. I was finally able to do a nest check this morning and found two of my east facing gourds have lost the entire brood (total of 11 chicks). I have a couple of other nests that are wet and I'm concerned I may lose more hatchlings. Any suggestions on changing out nest material or other advise? Thanks.
Happy Trails. Kathryn (PMCA Member & Nature Lover)
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RockyBrueseke
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:12 am
- Location: MO/Sullivan
The St. Louis area has set a new record for rain for the month of June. I decided to take action and change out the bedding in several cavities 3 times as they were so wet. I even lifted a top layer with eggs, very carefully, and replaced the underneath as best I could. I have fledging going on so I haven't checked it out this week. Mom is in there much of the time. Hope all is going well for her.
Blessings,
Rocky
0-2010-11
Visitors/No Renters-2012
1-2013
4-2014
2015-6 new gourds
Rocky
0-2010-11
Visitors/No Renters-2012
1-2013
4-2014
2015-6 new gourds