I've been anxiously watching my oldest nest, babies about 30 days. This is a first year site, with a modifed three-story Trio house in a beautiful meadow setting in Forest Park. St. Louis, Mo. The house and two gourds have six active nests.
This morning, I noticed that several of these 30-day-olds -- five in nest -- had "wandered" along the proch to another compartment, relieving my anxiety as to whether they could exit the SREH holes. (I'll add dividers next year).
This evening came the real show. As I arrived at the meadow, martins were flying above the tops of trees, about 200 feet out from the house. The babies were in the tree tops, with ASY dad flying about them. At least one baby remained at the house, content with his head sticking out the hole, still being feed by mom.
As dusk settled in, things got tense when the babies began flying about the house. I could only ID them as fledglings because they flew with great effort -- lots of flapping -- and often very low. I was worried they would hit the ground or a steam that runs in front of the house. Several times, they tried to land on the proches, and seemed to be chased off by SY males -- with dad ASY male apparently flying along to protect them.
Finally, I saw them zip back into their compartments (original and one next door) -- sailing right through the SREH openings. Whew.
Although I had martins growing up, this is my first year after a long absence of returning to this wonderful hobby, and the first time I've observed this behavior with some knoweldge -- thanks to everyone here. I know fledging time often has problems, but what a wonderful experience it was to watch these new ones test their wings and get back home safely for the night.
John Miller, St. Louis, Mo
Fledglings test wings, make it back home
-
Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Hi John and Sharon.
What you saw this evening, John, was indeed the way fledging it supposed to happen. It is scary - but somehow the fledglings manage to do as their parents want them to.
Congratulations on successful fledging and the return of the young to sleep in their natal cavity. This should continue for maybe a week - could be as much as 2 weeks. Enjoy your colony - it sounds wonderful!
What you saw this evening, John, was indeed the way fledging it supposed to happen. It is scary - but somehow the fledglings manage to do as their parents want them to.
Congratulations on successful fledging and the return of the young to sleep in their natal cavity. This should continue for maybe a week - could be as much as 2 weeks. Enjoy your colony - it sounds wonderful!
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne