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 late, are doing well.
nestling with no eyes
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The condition is known as ANOPHTHALMIA and fortunately it is not common. It's been reported in martins and other bird species. Give the bird a little time - sometimes the eyes are there but not evident yet, though with a new pinkie hatchling, you should be able to see the eyes. A landlord in Massachusetts found a martin nestling with just one eye.
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Archer
- Posts: 786
- Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
- Location: Manitoba/Altona
- Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.
Howdy to the Mclifton's. Wanted to say thank you for the subby! I recently discovered a banded martin at my place and contacted Dr. Kevin Fraser. One of his assistants confirmed that the bird had been banded at your place last summer. The female subby is now a proud mother of 4 growing chicks. Just thought you'd like to know.
Allan.
Allan.
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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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.
I have never heard of it (although I had a nestling with only one eye this year), I've never seen one with NO eyes.
I'm wondering how the parents will handle this one. I hope you're able to keep us updated on its progress.... I would love to know what happens with it!
I'm wondering how the parents will handle this one. I hope you're able to keep us updated on its progress.... I would love to know what happens with it!
"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