Menunkatuck's Purple Martin Project at Hammonasset Beach State Park is the subject of John Picard's article in the Spring 2010 Edition of Purple Martin Update, the publication of the Purple Martin Conservation Association. The four-page lead article describes the progress made since the old wooden houses were replaced in 2005.
Well done, John.
2 comments:
I live in upstate South Carolina and this year have around twenty nesting pairs of purple martins. Last year I lost a few broods to mites. What treatment options are available for mites on nesting birds and what can I do as a prevenitive. Thanks for your help.
Hi,
Thanks for contacting us. Mites can be a real problem if left unchecked, a few mites are OK and normal, millions can be devastating. Considering martins nest in colonies, the number of mites can increase very rapidly and spill over to neighboring nest cavities. Performing routine nest checks and keeping accurate records is essential for success. We found the best prevention is to perform regular nest material changes at 6 day intervals from the time the eggs hatch or as needed, up until the age of 18 days old. Doing this interrupts the life cycle of the mites and will greatly reduce the # of mites within a given nest cavity or colony. We use white pine needles and or soft dried grass to contruct the new nest. You can find lots of information on the Purple Martin Conservation Association website. Let us know how you make out. Thanks, John
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