[obol] Purple Martins and Swallows

[Paul Buescher]

We have set a record of two Purple Martin nests (up from one), on the same
10' post.  A steady flow of dragon flies are being delivered to the
hatchlings in both boxes.  I do not have a count on the number of babies as
the Martins are fairly quiet compared to the Tree Swallows. The Osprey on
the BNSF RR bridge have one youngster in each of the two nest. The south
nest young was testing the wings yesterday; the north nest is about a month
behind.  We have had three Osprey fishing together, probably a family unit.

Warm Regards,

Paul Buescher
West Hayden Island Moorage

-----Original Message-----
From: obol-bounces at oregonbirdwatch.org
[mailto:obol-bounces at oregonbirdwatch.org] On Behalf Of Pat Waldron
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 11:16 AM
To: OBOL
Subject: [obol] Purple Martins and Swallows


Dear Folks,

	There has been a definite drop in the number of nestings this year.

Only 20 -25% of my 150 swallow houses have been taken. Swallows were  
here checking out many boxes that  always produce young around the  
house and barn, but they are empty, it is the first year that they  
have not being nested in.

	PURPLE MARTINS, PUMA, came to check out their 10 nest boxes this  
spring, but never nested. They still come here, without singing, to  
eat oyster shell, as they carry it back to where ever they are  
nesting. There are 3 other ranchers that put up PUMA houses within 6  
miles of our ranch. I will try to get info from them.

	I am thinking the very wet spring has made life difficult for  
Swallows to forage.

	Also, besides SHARPIE and COOPER, a female NORTHERN HARRIER has come

for all three meals, and she can really nail the Swallows. While  
bucking hay for 6 hours, I saw 5 kills from raptors.

	There is also a drop in MOUNTAIN and CALIFORNIA QUAIL. Only one or 2

young surviving. It was good to see 8 young in a second hatch of  
California Quail, now that it has warmed up.

	Pat Waldron
	East of Scio
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