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Joined: Jan 2006
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Lunker
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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ejrfan... can you be more specific? Are you indicating that the Martins are predatory? You should find a lot of help here: PM forum
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Ambassador Lunker
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if i recall correctly (and probably i dont) but i remember martins to have similar habits to many types of swallows.....we have an abundance of violet green, tree, cliff, and barn swallows that eat some bugs around pond but dont appear to cause any problems, its nice to have them flying around. they swoop down and lightly skim water, have never seen them nab a fish.
GSF are people too!
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Joined: Dec 2005
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If he is saying they will control (run off) blue Herons I would be very interested.
Please no more rain for a month! :|
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Ambassador Lunker
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ahhhhh....that would make more sense. mr. ejrfan?
GSF are people too!
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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DIED, Yep, that's kinda where I am at. The boss and I have been working for 7 years to get Martins to begin a colony at our home. We just started getting some limited success 3 years ago. Last year we had a very dedicated nesting pair, tho we are uncertain as to the fate of their 4 hatchlings...a real mystery/long story. Anyway, this year, another pair with 7 eggs, then 4 hatchlings, then fledging. They only eat insects (that I know of). The only time I see agressive behavior is when ANY bird tries to get close to their gourd, even before eggs. They can be very territorial close to their home, especially with their own species. This time of year, they are starting to gather into larger hoardes to begin the trek back south sometime in August. Perhaps this is what ejr eludes to...he has a Marti-parti.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Hall of Fame Lunker
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Hall of Fame Lunker
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ejrfan,
Two words: Please elaborate.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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LOL Yes they scare off every bird that comes near my pond. I started with one box last year and seen them in action. I set up three more houses this spring and now have nearly 50 martins patroling my pond.The best thing about it all is just sitting and watching with a cold POP in hand.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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ejrfan... Thanks for checking back...we were beginning to worry that you may need a new bird identification handbook. Thanks for being a good PM landlord. I hope and dream of having your PM territorial dilemna...it's a hidden blessing.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365
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Lunker
Joined: Jun 2005
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I can vouch for PM agressiveness. The little guys are totally fearless, and will chase ANYTHING out of their territory. Blackbirds are my worst problem right now, and a couple of PM condo's should take care of the problem.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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So you've seen them actually run (fly) off Great Blue Herons?
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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They will mob anything that flies in their territory, including hawks, egrets, ospreys, crows, and even model airplanes. If a GBH gets in and lands he may be safe, but I'm not sure about that. I am sure he will be mobbed on the way in and out. The down side of PM's is they don't nest year around.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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If a GBH landed within 50 feet of a PM nest, there would be heck to pay. Bobad's right. They start hitting our area around April and begin building a nest in May. At this point, the territorial traits come out. This will continue until mid June thru July...until all the hatchlings have fledged. Even then, tho, they will often continue to hang around the nesting stomping grounds, still exhibiting territorial protection, tho not as agressive. Then, in August they start thinking "south", gather in hoardes (at ejrfan's place), and pack their bags.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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They swoop down and sreetch at the herons if they make it to the ground. I like to watch them go after kingfishers when they set up for a dive. I do need some help with the name of a bird though. I live in southern Ohio and get a long beeked black predatory bird that walks the shore line. It is about the size of a crow. Any ideas?
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Would this be your bird? A green heron!
Please no more rain for a month! :|
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Moderator Lunker
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We definitely have Green Herons here in Ohio.
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally posted by bobad: They will mob anything that flies in their territory... even model airplanes. Oh boy, I'm getting a PM codo this week. New fun down on the ranch!
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That is it. Easy to identify. Some peices are missing but it is laying on edge of the pond. His fishing days are over.
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I found this site that has some good information on attracting and keeping purple martins: http://www.purplemartin.org/main/mgt.html. It's worth a shot!
Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Sorry, try this link to http://purplemartin.org
Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it!
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