little martin left came back
-
Guest
the little one left been gone about one week i though he was with the others we have a few left my wife and i was out in the yard down next to the pm house when he came from out of know were and landed on my wifes sholder i could not beleve it. he is still with us he is eating and flying and doning good i know what has hapend to him is bad were we raised him but it was better than having him to die if anybody would like to see a photo of him email me and i will send a few i have reach my max up load good luck to every one . .nathan aka (doe)
-
Al Denton
- Posts: 1468
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 7:31 pm
- Location: Carolina Shores NC
- Martin Colony History: New site and housing for 2018...Trendsetter 12. 1 pair of subs. Fledged 5...2019...11 pairs
doe, Sure, we'd like to see a picture of your little martin. Send it on...Al
2018-new site...1 pair
2019-11 pairs
2020-15 pairs
2019-11 pairs
2020-15 pairs
-
Guest
I would also like to see them. A few of my new ones are still returning at night, don't stay long though.
Jayne
jaynetaylorhall@verizon.net
Jayne
jaynetaylorhall@verizon.net
-
Guest
Hi Doe,
I've seen the photos posted in another thread (http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=615) --What a lovely little martin!
It's a little concerning that this bird is returning to you. A healthy martin should fly from us upon release and not return. Carlyle Rogillio, author of the "Purple Martin Rehabilitation Manual," and president of the National Wildbird Refuge, says if a martin is returning, it's probably because it's hungry. This isn't so much because it doesn't know the skills to hunt on its own--this part is instinct--but because the bird probably isn't strong enough to sustain itself through the rigors of hunting.
Since the bird is coming back for feedings, it's a good idea to weigh it--it should weigh 50 grams. Feel it's chestbone (also known as a keel). If the keel sticks out sharply like a knife edge, the bird is underweight. There should be a tangible pad of muscle on each side of that bone.
Once the bird is 50 grams, try releasing it again. (It's a good idea to take it to a professional rehabber before then to assess its condition and get any nutritional needs/deficiencies taken care of.) While it's not necessary to release this bird where there are martins, it wouldn't hurt to do so--especially if there is a roost site within driving distance. At this time of year, that's where most of the martins are.
This bird has plenty of time to fly to S.America. Migration continues through August and September, and sometimes into October. Many well-intended landlords don't realize that it's actually illegal to keep a wild songbird without a permit--even if you're giving it the best care you can. The birds' health is contingent upon its reintroduction to the wild, so you'll definitely want to look into its weight, see a rehabber, and try again.
Good luck!
Casey Evans-Cable
PMCA
I've seen the photos posted in another thread (http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=615) --What a lovely little martin!
It's a little concerning that this bird is returning to you. A healthy martin should fly from us upon release and not return. Carlyle Rogillio, author of the "Purple Martin Rehabilitation Manual," and president of the National Wildbird Refuge, says if a martin is returning, it's probably because it's hungry. This isn't so much because it doesn't know the skills to hunt on its own--this part is instinct--but because the bird probably isn't strong enough to sustain itself through the rigors of hunting.
Since the bird is coming back for feedings, it's a good idea to weigh it--it should weigh 50 grams. Feel it's chestbone (also known as a keel). If the keel sticks out sharply like a knife edge, the bird is underweight. There should be a tangible pad of muscle on each side of that bone.
Once the bird is 50 grams, try releasing it again. (It's a good idea to take it to a professional rehabber before then to assess its condition and get any nutritional needs/deficiencies taken care of.) While it's not necessary to release this bird where there are martins, it wouldn't hurt to do so--especially if there is a roost site within driving distance. At this time of year, that's where most of the martins are.
This bird has plenty of time to fly to S.America. Migration continues through August and September, and sometimes into October. Many well-intended landlords don't realize that it's actually illegal to keep a wild songbird without a permit--even if you're giving it the best care you can. The birds' health is contingent upon its reintroduction to the wild, so you'll definitely want to look into its weight, see a rehabber, and try again.
Good luck!
Casey Evans-Cable
PMCA