tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31120228906808797702024-03-15T03:59:11.624-07:00The Birds & The BeesNikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-89125693147931175202023-04-05T18:17:00.005-07:002023-04-05T18:17:47.655-07:00Look What Mother Nature Dragged In<p> I have been keeping a log book of all my purple martin arrivals and nest checks since time began. Okay, well really since I became a landlord in 2007 with my first pair. I love writing in it each season with my mechanical .09 pencil. Something about writing with a pencil that I just love. I start each season by writing on a new page, "Season 20XX". Then, I start writing when the first purple martin arrives. </p><p>This year, my notations began on March 4th with the first ASY male arrival. The only others so far:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mar. 12th - 3 martins here;</li><li>Mar. 14th - 6 martins here - supplemental feeding; <br /></li><li>Mar. 20th - 11 martins here - supplemental feeding;</li><li>Mar. 21st - rain;</li><li>Mar. 22 & 23rd - 68 & 70 degrees - over 25 martins here.</li><li>Apr. 1st - too many to count....over 50 at least.<br /></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHc-UgfGPqga7QlQ5EiAtAmTxDv9ZyuE_1Ddmf6Zl4yUyH40bm7NiROWURJmJiGuhY2djMGDuSUJbibZiJoTi7uHhkib9uv0gHXKBzrjvy_GUJGSL-z4WcdTJAk1OSJq09uoxVfwmANmLemobXLHlt3Dd7cHMATYF2brrjWs6qH3JoTrE_6h70HeXNMA/s1920/Cover_PIc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1920" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHc-UgfGPqga7QlQ5EiAtAmTxDv9ZyuE_1Ddmf6Zl4yUyH40bm7NiROWURJmJiGuhY2djMGDuSUJbibZiJoTi7uHhkib9uv0gHXKBzrjvy_GUJGSL-z4WcdTJAk1OSJq09uoxVfwmANmLemobXLHlt3Dd7cHMATYF2brrjWs6qH3JoTrE_6h70HeXNMA/w400-h175/Cover_PIc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As I scanned through my notebook to see what was happening on these same dates in past years, I wondered if my son or my grandsons would someday find my Purple Martin notebook and be curious enough to read through it. I'm sure the grandsons would get a good laugh reading some of my notes, knowing how bird-crazy their grandmother was. I wonder if they would marvel at the handwriting and feel a warmth of familiarity and that will open up a flood of memories? The same way I loved to read the notes that my grandmother wrote in her letters and especially in her Bible? I've been feeling rather down about aging and thinking about my own mortality lately and the best way for me to work through stuff is to write about it. Not today, but soon. Moving on.....<br /></p><p>Today, there are more than I can count but I'm sure I have over 50 martins now.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VA6WtiPz8s" width="320" youtube-src-id="4VA6WtiPz8s"></iframe></div><p>Yesterday evening during my walk, I saw my martins zooming just over the tops of my native wild plum grove. There are thousands of these moths swarming the fragrant, snow white blooms. I ran to the house and grabbed my camera and of course, by the time I returned, most of the martins were headed to bed, but I did manage to catch a few on video catching a snack for bedtime. I LOVE seeing this - it's one of the many reasons I love to talk about native plants and how many insects they host. And those insects are now feeding many of the birds here today. Now you can see why I preach, "GROW NATIVE"!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oW89xZbVqaieNNQ57B-879UKuWTdD5Y40I35UrHH5glxhzlQ0l2W5ZqBglODVe5TtToo4rhVOFjXIirI1SLQGdMCx-03tadzjJ7_aXKaiCIl-RnfIEdcC1zofwOy2XZ3Nu-uVdfn2PYMrnOdqxOZaBkWz_lY3M8S_WaazoZP5Gp_RJ1uLqnnBZ3-hw/s1852/plumgrove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1852" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oW89xZbVqaieNNQ57B-879UKuWTdD5Y40I35UrHH5glxhzlQ0l2W5ZqBglODVe5TtToo4rhVOFjXIirI1SLQGdMCx-03tadzjJ7_aXKaiCIl-RnfIEdcC1zofwOy2XZ3Nu-uVdfn2PYMrnOdqxOZaBkWz_lY3M8S_WaazoZP5Gp_RJ1uLqnnBZ3-hw/w400-h215/plumgrove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here's a short video where I managed to capture a few purple martins & tree swallows snagging a moth before bedtime.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UaBRaQr2RYg" width="320" youtube-src-id="UaBRaQr2RYg"></iframe></div><p></p><p> Not only are the purple martins swarming in, so are the tree swallows. I have a LOT more tree swallows than I have nest boxes for them. Check out how many TRES are twittering around my fields right now in the video above. <br /></p><p></p><p>In 2021, a bluebird and tree swallow pair nested in this same paired configuration and last year, I had 2 tree swallow pairs nesting back-to-back in those same houses. According to the 'rule' book, when setting up tree swallow grid, they need about 100' between their nest boxes, but we love to break the rules here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI7dWMMAyojwLhk18XpYRQ5ud0r90W_IBsfM2NXdh4zIoH-iyxUcKSRT8yVzwHigm89is-xlPBpuOZyV_7-sNKI_tSQUMO2EEligYuRIqsMSLASYwLraoKl2rVFYqRJNn3wygPRpvXILN0y-F24wIEtNETMeSqXbnNEJUd_vdgmo7rDeJ82DYyH2E7g/s4032/20220515_114913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI7dWMMAyojwLhk18XpYRQ5ud0r90W_IBsfM2NXdh4zIoH-iyxUcKSRT8yVzwHigm89is-xlPBpuOZyV_7-sNKI_tSQUMO2EEligYuRIqsMSLASYwLraoKl2rVFYqRJNn3wygPRpvXILN0y-F24wIEtNETMeSqXbnNEJUd_vdgmo7rDeJ82DYyH2E7g/w180-h400/20220515_114913.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p>This past weekend, I decided to take my last two spare nest boxes out of the
garage and pair them with a couple of nest boxes on other posts.The new nest boxes certainly weren't doing anyone any good in the garage, so why not find out if lightning will strike 3 or 4 times on Gobbler's Knob? </p><p>In the past 2 days, I've also discovered that I have 2 pairs of nesting bluebirds! After the Polar Vortex of 2021, our local bluebird population was devastated. Where I had had 3 - 4 pairs of nesting bluebirds every year prior, I had none in 2021 and only 1 pair last year. I was thrilled to find 5 blue eggs in one nest and 2 eggs in another nest yesterday, and I encountered a male bluebird guarding another nestbox north of my house. Keeping my fingers crossed this is the year they rebound!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-42335221245695048322023-02-26T11:12:00.002-08:002023-02-26T11:12:19.285-08:00Purple Martin Season - 2023; Are You Ready?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fellow purple martin landlord extraordinaire, John Miller (St. Louis) found the cute picture below and recently shared it on the PMCA Forum. It was just the motivation I needed to get back to writing on my blog. Well, that and a couple of messages from long-time readers. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gtqWlXDev9cEeRdZcxWisaNMcptppeystmlSW-ReQg4i3Qa8_C1pZXHrheqiY25--0a9BFdNXIIw6w-sWZA35YvXydkq7QxFMcvY0DFpN_4dAUM_c6RSGIg7a-xy1LWKzEFhq-NGwmyVv1AzOth_zUKX8XyYD50hbp_0c8OGmhGzjiKIV2MtN3auqg/s1207/PM_Children_Book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="843" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gtqWlXDev9cEeRdZcxWisaNMcptppeystmlSW-ReQg4i3Qa8_C1pZXHrheqiY25--0a9BFdNXIIw6w-sWZA35YvXydkq7QxFMcvY0DFpN_4dAUM_c6RSGIg7a-xy1LWKzEFhq-NGwmyVv1AzOth_zUKX8XyYD50hbp_0c8OGmhGzjiKIV2MtN3auqg/w392-h561/PM_Children_Book.jpg" width="392" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gtqWlXDev9cEeRdZcxWisaNMcptppeystmlSW-ReQg4i3Qa8_C1pZXHrheqiY25--0a9BFdNXIIw6w-sWZA35YvXydkq7QxFMcvY0DFpN_4dAUM_c6RSGIg7a-xy1LWKzEFhq-NGwmyVv1AzOth_zUKX8XyYD50hbp_0c8OGmhGzjiKIV2MtN3auqg/s1207/PM_Children_Book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"> </a>I took some time off from writing for a bit to focus on some other things. But, as time has gone on, I've realized how much I've missed it and how cathartic writing is for me. What better topic to kick my blog off again than the imminent Purple Martin 2023 season in Missouri!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reports are coming in from many southern states that they many sites are actually spotting them much earlier than in prior seasons. Knowing that information, yesterday, Feb. 25th, it was 60 degrees here and winds were blowing from the south - literally, the exact conditions that have predicted their return every year. I thought for sure I would see one but thankfully, I didn't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsGAbK7Ud--B6lnKj2rf1Hq-RGaq5De7OtmmL40-a32Vo7mvytZywwi8_UxihUrAcEmqv1JnRTkzrJyss5wB7TNcXj7SojnSeTC1SB-KSsJcBBmpHNra-Vi3SH7BfYp5AkgC_dAmEPwhfuvv1KBDgWATPxjTUvTuyB5Xi30AqXg02bU_HcxgHkNBpPQ/s644/Feb_2023_Weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="644" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsGAbK7Ud--B6lnKj2rf1Hq-RGaq5De7OtmmL40-a32Vo7mvytZywwi8_UxihUrAcEmqv1JnRTkzrJyss5wB7TNcXj7SojnSeTC1SB-KSsJcBBmpHNra-Vi3SH7BfYp5AkgC_dAmEPwhfuvv1KBDgWATPxjTUvTuyB5Xi30AqXg02bU_HcxgHkNBpPQ/s320/Feb_2023_Weather.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Checking my records, my earliest arrival happened on February 28th, 2016. As I looked at the forecast for the rest of this week, I'm a little concerned they may think it's a great time to mosey their way on up to Gobbler's Knob and confirm their reservations. While it is always exciting and heartwarming to see them arrive, Missouri weather is so danged unpredictable and while I have my colony trained to accept supplemental feeding, it's not my favorite thing to have to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of supplemental feeding, I checked my favorite supplier last week - <a href="http://Rainbowmealworms.com">Rainbowmealworms.com</a>, and they are once again OUT of my favorite cricket size (1"). So annoying. It seems we are still suffering the stupid side affects of Covid - 3 years later. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't seen a tree swallow yet either - normally I see one or two of them arrive with a purple martin in tow. I like to imagine that they met somewhere over the Gulf and teamed up to make the journey north to my site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My wonderful husband has made sure that I have plenty of housing on hand. How cute is this house??<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL82R8C9ibUgPLA2geyLRuOSq1N6Gb2M7EXgSLfjvJniSfnQCvtbNZJxQ6wYlphVHMh508FEaWfsSyVc7bSVynOo1gaHLFQOLag25rAfP_ShEo3Scm-kilACzT5Qd4DIx0fTM9tuLZmmJoX49zldDFs8hLBHXVkLtKHARAshzQYK7BGuIki9D5ZHCsuw/s3264/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL82R8C9ibUgPLA2geyLRuOSq1N6Gb2M7EXgSLfjvJniSfnQCvtbNZJxQ6wYlphVHMh508FEaWfsSyVc7bSVynOo1gaHLFQOLag25rAfP_ShEo3Scm-kilACzT5Qd4DIx0fTM9tuLZmmJoX49zldDFs8hLBHXVkLtKHARAshzQYK7BGuIki9D5ZHCsuw/w300-h400/IMG_1753.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TRES nest box with slot entrance and bird spikes to prevent owls from landing on the box.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What IS bringing me joy right now is the fact that our local bluebird population appears to be rebounding from the devastating impact of the Polar Vortex of 2021. Remember that? I didn't see any bluebirds that year, and had only one breeding pair last year. From the numbers of them frequenting my yard this year so far, it looks like we will have a much better bluebird year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91H1Z5jyLupoGInXbE0JcJgpy020VOqWRDXx0bixfEqgiWHCjuQNhE0D8mvfKrXXVNgng0yI4aaC5yaLgpQ1PjtnronZe7fAMzYDz70rlnMXV1APbgV1KnwbdbsYJ9VIouyVy70rhzVmJV0TWy47UUfMr9eLsfPO-43W_CwrI_TWCMi9fysa_KmTPug/s882/T29A7548%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="882" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91H1Z5jyLupoGInXbE0JcJgpy020VOqWRDXx0bixfEqgiWHCjuQNhE0D8mvfKrXXVNgng0yI4aaC5yaLgpQ1PjtnronZe7fAMzYDz70rlnMXV1APbgV1KnwbdbsYJ9VIouyVy70rhzVmJV0TWy47UUfMr9eLsfPO-43W_CwrI_TWCMi9fysa_KmTPug/w400-h379/T29A7548%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>So, Dear Missouri Landlords, I hope you're preparing your sites! They're on their way and they are in a hurry!</p><p>Don't forget to check out the <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/research/8/scout-arrival-study/" target="_blank">PMCA Scout Arrival site</a> to watch their progression northwards!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*If you have a Facebook account, don't forget to check in with us at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/purplemartinfanatics">https://www.facebook.com/groups/purplemartinfanatics</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gtqWlXDev9cEeRdZcxWisaNMcptppeystmlSW-ReQg4i3Qa8_C1pZXHrheqiY25--0a9BFdNXIIw6w-sWZA35YvXydkq7QxFMcvY0DFpN_4dAUM_c6RSGIg7a-xy1LWKzEFhq-NGwmyVv1AzOth_zUKX8XyYD50hbp_0c8OGmhGzjiKIV2MtN3auqg/s1207/PM_Children_Book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-521181768922060362022-04-18T06:36:00.002-07:002022-04-18T06:36:23.575-07:00Supplemental Feeding for Purple Martins in Inclement Weather<p>In late March 2011, I was staring out my window watching the falling
rain and sleet and the thermometer that was falling even faster. I was
also keeping watch on my eight purple martins that had arrived 10 days
earlier than in years past and wondered how I would ever get them
through the bad weather that as predicted for the next 8 days. There
would certainly be no flying insects available on which they could feed
in that cold, wet weather. I had read the stories on the PMCA forum
about how people had trained their martins to accept supplemental
feeding of crickets and eggs but I was torn over the whole “nature
taking its course” and praying, or helping them. </p><p>As I watched
their wings droop further, it suddenly became very clear for me; either
make the effort and try to feed them or grab a bucket and pick up the
dead ones in a few days. There was absolutely no way I was going to be
able to do the latter. So I grabbed a handful of plastic picnic spoons,
a plate of crickets, gathered up my determination and stood in the
middle of my colony with mud up to my ankles and sleet in my face and
flipped over 40 crickets to my sad-looking martins. Suddenly, the magic
happened and I have never again had to worry about having to pick up
buckets full of dead martins in my yard when Mother Nature plays a cruel
trick on our migrating martins.</p><p></p><p><a class="w-fancybox" href="http://www.purplemartindakotas.org/uploads/1/0/8/3/10839044/3471409_orig.jpg?1366344548"><img alt="Picture" src="http://www.purplemartindakotas.org/uploads/1/0/8/3/10839044/3471409.jpg?1366344548" /></a><br /><br />If you’re interested in
providing supplemental feeding yourself, here are some pointers how to
train your martins, based on my experiences as well as from the other
experienced landlords that worked with me and encouraged me along the
way.<br /><br />First, be prepared. A lot of us know about when our martins
will arrive and what the average weather is like during those months.
My first arrivals come during March, so by February, I know that I
should have approximately 5000 crickets in my freezer (I order from
ReptileFood.com). An adult martin can eat 40-50 large (1”) crickets a
day, so base your cricket supply on that estimate times the number of
days of expected bad weather. I usually have a box or two of the cheap,
plastic picnic spoons in my pantry as well. When the weather drops
below 45-50 degrees, or there is constant rain then there are no flying
insects on which the martins can feed. You’ll know they are stressed by
observing their physical appearance. Usually they are fluffed out and
have very droopy wings. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQevIGcKGz547qc5kzTU7v_pnRMGbPr9A5U51pApPjckZzTCBpfGsqsFClozNY9F3WLmL-Bf4e1hXhnkHFVJw4bUt--Js2nYwGTweE292VZGOlWH2QTzHS8YXtuNroWaJG4-r94nvOQoYnEEYtNrQzYcyKxb9riqgsRyBSZ4lJjn25tKMaAdCzvg1OA/s2048/Cold_Martins-5-3-2013-34deg_house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQevIGcKGz547qc5kzTU7v_pnRMGbPr9A5U51pApPjckZzTCBpfGsqsFClozNY9F3WLmL-Bf4e1hXhnkHFVJw4bUt--Js2nYwGTweE292VZGOlWH2QTzHS8YXtuNroWaJG4-r94nvOQoYnEEYtNrQzYcyKxb9riqgsRyBSZ4lJjn25tKMaAdCzvg1OA/w400-h266/Cold_Martins-5-3-2013-34deg_house.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold weather in late March - notice the martins on the porch with drooping wings
</td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>During the first day or two of bad
weather, they may not take the food, but by the third day, it’s time to
start flipping. Try to pick the warmest time of the day and the least
windy. Position yourself so that you can flip the crickets up high and
in front of your martins. Do not flip the crickets directly *at* the
birds as that will cause them to fly away from you. I only flipped one
cricket at a time as this was their first introduction to crickets and I
didn’t want to waste any until I saw the first one take one. I only
had to flip 40 to get them started, but I have heard other landlords
have had to flip over 100 to get the ball rolling.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPhw69Zt0FXX9OdIkR9OqS_FSdO13RLsXmAGYrA2WquxXzt_mtjwL973eUFRxdKfJuWdb2clEQISlAZajeTJk1ACEd583cvsRFBvaFBYa9oKltWvNwBBFR6IH56tgUh9S-XPbrl9mlKqO7v__bK8vAwTQVQ6N50yAXeNTbjjjvkjMxFXmJmMF14H9Pg/s2048/Cold_Martins-5-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPhw69Zt0FXX9OdIkR9OqS_FSdO13RLsXmAGYrA2WquxXzt_mtjwL973eUFRxdKfJuWdb2clEQISlAZajeTJk1ACEd583cvsRFBvaFBYa9oKltWvNwBBFR6IH56tgUh9S-XPbrl9mlKqO7v__bK8vAwTQVQ6N50yAXeNTbjjjvkjMxFXmJmMF14H9Pg/w400-h266/Cold_Martins-5-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I also called
out a word (much like training your dog) every time I flipped a cricket.
You’ll know why later. After the first martin went after a cricket
and returned to her perch, the others slowly started joining her and
swirling around in the rain as I flipped over 200 crickets to them. It
takes a lot of energy that they can’t afford to waste at these critical
times, to fly and catch a cricket. So my next goal was to move them to
“tray feeding” so they wouldn’t waste their limited energy. Tray
feeding is a different way of feeding for a purple martin as they
usually catch their food on the fly.<p></p><p>As they all slowly circled,
grabbing flipped crickets, I started flipping the crickets up on my
rooftop. Some would finally land and grab the food that fell there.
Some of it bounced down onto a tray just below the edge of my roof and
they all started landing there and eating the food that bounced off my
makeshift ‘tray’. I also added scrambled eggs in with the offerings
(crickets can get expensive when you’re trying to feed 20-40 birds). I
first had to flip the egg pieces in the air to get them used to
accepting egg, then I could add it to the tray where they could eat it
later.
</p><p>During subsequent feedings, I would prepare the eggs and crickets and
call the martins out of their housing to the feeder, using my special
word that I had used during training. It worked every time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CF2rXL4zIqKny7lhuAtTngCaQTqD0QmpXRAtYBgpdPCiWueG7BOx6MAr_k31XQIiL6GMkNLdB-l0VwHhd9b_zYN6l_3iAwf_q_QzOGywE4mqpNTp8Z-1v81PN4VQMqSvPmF2bV0DNtm2FERGT9J_NrL_4c-FX1ozt0ECTpl4i78TFQyzG5A2L48Wsg/s2048/Cold_Martins-5-4-2013-34deg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CF2rXL4zIqKny7lhuAtTngCaQTqD0QmpXRAtYBgpdPCiWueG7BOx6MAr_k31XQIiL6GMkNLdB-l0VwHhd9b_zYN6l_3iAwf_q_QzOGywE4mqpNTp8Z-1v81PN4VQMqSvPmF2bV0DNtm2FERGT9J_NrL_4c-FX1ozt0ECTpl4i78TFQyzG5A2L48Wsg/w400-h266/Cold_Martins-5-4-2013-34deg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This
season we once again started another 8 days of bad weather at the end
of March. The first day the weather snapped down cold, a male martin
flew right up to me, squawking at me. I knew that he was one that
remembered the drill from 2 years ago. I fed over 6000 crickets and 5
dozen eggs over the course of those 8 days to 22 martins. I did end up
losing 4 of them, but I could never be sure if those 4 were “mine” or
were migrants, or they simply died of old age. But I ended up pulling
the rest of my martins through those cold, long, miserable days and I
can’t tell you how happy I am about that. <br /><br />If you have never
tried to feed your birds, I encourage you to try it. My best advice is
to be persistent and keep trying. You already know what is the worst
that can happen, so you can’t lose anything by trying. My martins bring
me great joy every year. I figure providing them with food during
desperate times is the least I can do to repay them. </p><p>More good information on Supplemental feeding can be found here on the PMCA forum:<br />https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=27225<br /></p><br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-62344051569067891722021-12-05T06:41:00.002-08:002021-12-05T06:41:22.270-08:00Eliminating Invasive Honeysuckle - Phase 2 Begins<p>This past summer was so hot & dry and we have been in the worst drought we've ever had on Gobbler's Knob since moving here in 2007. If we don't get some rain soon, I'm not sure our fish will survive the winter freezes. The west side of the pond is, at best, 4' deep, and the east side is down to about 8' deep....with no substantial rain in the forecast.</p><p>There's absolutely nothing I can do about it, so I've decided to focus on the plans that we made for this Fall. This past Spring and late Winter, Bob and I spent some time identifying the areas where we need to start the battle with invasive Japanese honeysuckle. Depressingly, it looked a bit overwhelming - my shoulders and neck ached at the idea of trying to manually rake and pull it out. Fortunately, avoidance of strained, twisted backs, is the "Mother of Invention". Bob fired up the tractor - the brush hog on the back and the teeth on the front bucket would work nicely for the first attack. </p><p>After stripping its vines off the trees, uprooting and mowing down as much as we could, we burned some of the spots. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_YtJYM2BUmOWs46HjfNKU4nKTnBXzMsPvupuybqxXagzWz7mXrNn2husbw9hJeECJzcOvLI73oNbBb_XOYdbbDGivHZbzIYoT_FmBHqTAHDY0b-q52OIfagOkRviGkiWhB4TvrUGpe6C/s1632/IMG_1616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_YtJYM2BUmOWs46HjfNKU4nKTnBXzMsPvupuybqxXagzWz7mXrNn2husbw9hJeECJzcOvLI73oNbBb_XOYdbbDGivHZbzIYoT_FmBHqTAHDY0b-q52OIfagOkRviGkiWhB4TvrUGpe6C/w400-h300/IMG_1616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese honeysuckle vines after being pulled back from the trees with the tractor, then brush hogged. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I'm not sure how effective the burning was, but in my mind, we set it
back. Besides, it felt good to set fire to something that is trying to take
over and kill all the native plants. ha! At the very least, when it
greened up again during the summer, it would be nice & low -
perfectly setup for phase 2. <br /></p><p>It took a great deal of constraint on my part as we walked past the honeysuckle patches this summer as they thrived in the heat, regrowing their leaves and trying to advance again. It is truly tenacious.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumzBWVGbICFoNndC7AUFGgzHI7_W2CqD_UAdWYrrjLQJLDN5IMrs_uJEMVr5asPcsbFzgPIGkseHc2lxTN9brnfb6h2_w70zCXwd83EkOlYRp9g9PjJXb3uylTLgyb86Aosgnf38fJU6W/s2048/T29A8319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumzBWVGbICFoNndC7AUFGgzHI7_W2CqD_UAdWYrrjLQJLDN5IMrs_uJEMVr5asPcsbFzgPIGkseHc2lxTN9brnfb6h2_w70zCXwd83EkOlYRp9g9PjJXb3uylTLgyb86Aosgnf38fJU6W/w400-h266/T29A8319.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br /></p><p></p><p>The only thing that made me feel better and gave me hope that waiting was the right thing to do, was attending the Missouri Prairie Foundation <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NYVVv-pDbDxscoUDko8mEpQ_4fix-8bU/view" target="_blank">online </a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NYVVv-pDbDxscoUDko8mEpQ_4fix-8bU/view" target="_blank">classes on how to deal with invasive plants</a>, such as honeysuckle. Their advice from the class for someone with an already-established prairie, spray the honeysuckle in the fall after the first frost (when everything else has died back)- with Glyphosate. My husband had been to all the safety & training classes for using such chemicals/ herbicides so that he could use them as part of his Land Care business and knows how to use this stuff, so he knows all about how they work. These chemicals are important tools to use in the fight against invasive plant species that, if allowed to continue unabated, would wipe out all our native trees, forbes & grasses, in a true environmental disaster. Anyone that has ever driven on I40 into the West side of Knoxville, TN would be shocked at the way the non-native, invasive Kudzu has literally smothered thousands of trees along the highway. <br /></p><p>With all the misinformation and emotionalism around the use of "Round Up" and other weed killers, it was so refreshing to discuss this topic with true *Conservationists* in the public domain that had extensive knowledge in its *proper* use. </p><p>Here's a link to the herbicide table and application rates that was shared with us during the presentation:</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RTGGztqSIKR9djB9wrSgVnomKRD4c1YN/view">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RTGGztqSIKR9djB9wrSgVnomKRD4c1YN/view</a></p><p>Thanks to the prep work, the growth stayed very low - perfect for the coming murder rampage I had planned for the fall.</p><p>This 75' foot long and 30-40- wide section on our East field has a thick, low mat of honeysuckle. The Indian, Big Blue and Little Blue grasses are struggling to fight through it...and losing. They're only able to sprout around the edges of the advancing honeysuckle vines. This is a view from the south. NOTE: All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2Lkzvqa_TO6TmWV6ydHvhh2k_15gjtcjews82rEHAsz0-a7U_Bnr2bnySQt8Y5EPwMWezCNeWwA6MUGKpRK4z_55BOCIZXLHJXziuzdMXcVNzGW2Fr_Zi2z_5uu1T-Uje8C0D3xhIggb/s2048/East_Border_Field_FromSouth.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2Lkzvqa_TO6TmWV6ydHvhh2k_15gjtcjews82rEHAsz0-a7U_Bnr2bnySQt8Y5EPwMWezCNeWwA6MUGKpRK4z_55BOCIZXLHJXziuzdMXcVNzGW2Fr_Zi2z_5uu1T-Uje8C0D3xhIggb/w400-h266/East_Border_Field_FromSouth.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The same section, view from the north.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgen9ZNk8dUmufyzrjOz08aownCRli02SHLK-iF-bN-jFh6EEQzHqqi5x6fwuUDjeN1bGI6z2YU7_lDWwB3tw2VebbXQ2gGO7KsDsvmtePsjZK0SdJJ26GRJQ0MscJv4iDCzQPGtc2FHkh/s2048/East_Border_Field.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgen9ZNk8dUmufyzrjOz08aownCRli02SHLK-iF-bN-jFh6EEQzHqqi5x6fwuUDjeN1bGI6z2YU7_lDWwB3tw2VebbXQ2gGO7KsDsvmtePsjZK0SdJJ26GRJQ0MscJv4iDCzQPGtc2FHkh/w400-h266/East_Border_Field.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Further north, a strip of honeysuckle has gotten a foothold...not for long though. Hold tight, I'mma coming. One clump of little bluestem has managed to grow up (far right of the picture, 1/3 of the way down - now light brown-colored)<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1paNrYFxZl6HXYGzNNvVJg14KqXXrMRnaBJM1XXTsuLRDOBhjxeeHiTN-bT9R_Eicp96t_CNq2J_bQ0llWvOP_z7RjceYJm_bDCspcFu8rzdVtg-pF-P3fRfU2ek83tiPBxeUz6FmqsQ/s2048/Old_Pond_Bank.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1paNrYFxZl6HXYGzNNvVJg14KqXXrMRnaBJM1XXTsuLRDOBhjxeeHiTN-bT9R_Eicp96t_CNq2J_bQ0llWvOP_z7RjceYJm_bDCspcFu8rzdVtg-pF-P3fRfU2ek83tiPBxeUz6FmqsQ/w400-h266/Old_Pond_Bank.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another 50' north, around the corner, we brush hogged & pulled the vines down here too. Perfect for the coming spray-a-thon.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB1HFv2TtBFpTdqT0dPdAifDsXPEvYwnPjfAS3PHiGAUFTuGxyTqtZ_S5GwTh4errV7NICsLRcufGjvH-yVMeMxf8clK1RLtodG0FXc31qiMT6kcamyaJfuO58bXhIfMVi6XBO52k4TkQ/s2048/East_corner_under_Pine.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB1HFv2TtBFpTdqT0dPdAifDsXPEvYwnPjfAS3PHiGAUFTuGxyTqtZ_S5GwTh4errV7NICsLRcufGjvH-yVMeMxf8clK1RLtodG0FXc31qiMT6kcamyaJfuO58bXhIfMVi6XBO52k4TkQ/w400-h266/East_corner_under_Pine.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On to the west side of the property - this is the area that we cleared out last year (<a href="https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2020/12/another-vision-becomes-reality.html" target="_blank">more about that here</a>)<br />We dragged this cluster out and burned it. The honeysuckle came back, but the grass got a little better start here. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw571MxOjuVf1FunIijD7a5P7tRzrXHrDWQT_viIFLg5wDixxc8Tg8UerZrw_MnQ8xXfS2Mm3lkcPej2Es7GX4i9eSUZ2LbNG3jdPq8fPvUHoclYznp2AonySZA-Z5N791kChnxWiyFTnm/s2048/New_Savanna.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw571MxOjuVf1FunIijD7a5P7tRzrXHrDWQT_viIFLg5wDixxc8Tg8UerZrw_MnQ8xXfS2Mm3lkcPej2Es7GX4i9eSUZ2LbNG3jdPq8fPvUHoclYznp2AonySZA-Z5N791kChnxWiyFTnm/w400-h266/New_Savanna.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This west cluster in the Savanna is only 40' from the one above. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xHuvKY70e7t-h01dALj3lhpWGtcjrOJdXlTvFdxjnT1J2rBg4FGi0CKcnDRTHjzYsLTguCvGiat21FVKcoArdBG9Er0_CCVI8QRFSp_YaqrR6al_oXZqL-o4TizOZ7tTaPavPW63uGUN/s2048/Mid_Savanna.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xHuvKY70e7t-h01dALj3lhpWGtcjrOJdXlTvFdxjnT1J2rBg4FGi0CKcnDRTHjzYsLTguCvGiat21FVKcoArdBG9Er0_CCVI8QRFSp_YaqrR6al_oXZqL-o4TizOZ7tTaPavPW63uGUN/w400-h266/Mid_Savanna.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Now we wait to see the results. I am not a patient woman, but a great distraction is found in shopping the Native Seed catalogs and planning the next phase. <br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-44414399206733584522021-05-11T12:52:00.001-07:002021-05-11T13:03:13.014-07:00Purple Martin Sub-Adults Arriving in Missouri<p>For those of you trying to attract purple martins to your site, NOW is the prime time in Missouri! <br /></p><p>On April 29th, 2021, I reported a male sub-adult (SY - second year) arrival at my colony. Sub-adults, or "SY" (second-year) birds are the birds that were hatched last season that are just now reaching our borders during migration. </p><p>I also spotted 3 sub-adult females, but the PMCA asks that we report the sub-adult males, since they're a wee bit easier to identify. Well, "easier" is subjective. Some sub-adult males are easy to identify because they have large groupings of purple feathers (the indicators of a male martin) speckled about their chest & throat. For others, it can be more subtle.</p><p>When I first started out as a landlord, I spent hours taking pictures and following a bird that I suspected was a sub-adult male, only to realize it was a sub-adult female. It takes awhile - especially, because the purple feathers that you're searching for can be few and far between or so many that it's obvious. When I absolutely couldn't identify him using his feather markings, I would just wait for him to make the typical male 'clicking' sound and THAT was the indicator that sealed the ID game! </p><p>In this photo, the SY-Male on the left is checking out an ASY-Female on the right. There are a couple of small purple feathers on his chest that are glowing in the sunlight, another one under his left wing and a couple behind his legs.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkReea5klmV3VOAab_gHyjtXho4rIKgXr8714qk4U3iS9pJDBrMQrIBtfg6mDWzzamTPYFJnO2Ya5etHsc-qQQByPSGy-SdiWKXKAwdQkuOEIaknbHNpkt82b9hvhVf-nx43oF9WS-d44u/s2048/T29A6575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkReea5klmV3VOAab_gHyjtXho4rIKgXr8714qk4U3iS9pJDBrMQrIBtfg6mDWzzamTPYFJnO2Ya5etHsc-qQQByPSGy-SdiWKXKAwdQkuOEIaknbHNpkt82b9hvhVf-nx43oF9WS-d44u/w400-h266/T29A6575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In this photo below, this SY-Male has several purple feathers on his upper chest that makes him a little easier to spot.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggegkL5Ja7iAq9gO3bQmQkL1ZIyChzzd1ORsf9-2lwQuFzdz5MqWyTL7yenRBLgI-SMkfZNl-iGKrHZp1oqYjE-P0TRpuFfle_S75of3nVmR0AKG6RtBY0vlvImoTjTVQ1j5UU5fRYcRr2/s2048/T29A6579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggegkL5Ja7iAq9gO3bQmQkL1ZIyChzzd1ORsf9-2lwQuFzdz5MqWyTL7yenRBLgI-SMkfZNl-iGKrHZp1oqYjE-P0TRpuFfle_S75of3nVmR0AKG6RtBY0vlvImoTjTVQ1j5UU5fRYcRr2/w400-h266/T29A6579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the photo below, the SY-Male has several small purple feathers under his chin. He is standing guard over his SY-Female (R).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW2NoexEyotWiQ_QRdb039_2PaeHxyL3wpI99cv6e0_lWqjcb3EKJlfBFpyaMUN1DKkEmLX0ktdAvHI9Ev6GVnckk3U6iO3a9t_WI7rUoBPyEKATYZyP51n78fBKbgyMh3A-30ukPm2-A/s2048/T29A6569+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW2NoexEyotWiQ_QRdb039_2PaeHxyL3wpI99cv6e0_lWqjcb3EKJlfBFpyaMUN1DKkEmLX0ktdAvHI9Ev6GVnckk3U6iO3a9t_WI7rUoBPyEKATYZyP51n78fBKbgyMh3A-30ukPm2-A/w400-h291/T29A6569+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This SY-male in the photo below was super-easy. He already has almost the full adult head covered with dark purple feathers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySrDKmFGrvkGSFqhrKhKz6ky57F5PTbJzWJstp2b5MKFIVQPVzCvPblUVtBosNNSE8yzOn3sIEdnyoIuUKPS0NaS8yluSnJ2ibEjV5AygYSgD6uAhDhK0J_rHWmM2Z8wjCxfo1ClF9AE-/s2048/T29A6539+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1996" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySrDKmFGrvkGSFqhrKhKz6ky57F5PTbJzWJstp2b5MKFIVQPVzCvPblUVtBosNNSE8yzOn3sIEdnyoIuUKPS0NaS8yluSnJ2ibEjV5AygYSgD6uAhDhK0J_rHWmM2Z8wjCxfo1ClF9AE-/w390-h400/T29A6539+%25282%2529.JPG" width="390" /></a></div>In the photo below, the sub-adult female on the left is probably paired up with the ASY (adult) male on the right. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxyTKD4OJ6g7Mkw1E5YqD7q0-xaZNPAozmPTeZnofkMZaPYCuMqiBFR8wdY4DAD_x02erZluQ30nv7DoQJLjHe53eAHLphQSVunhmgo3HrZBz9XqaueoLZSA72m4qL_QfrIIO7p2azGwH/s2048/T29A6486+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxyTKD4OJ6g7Mkw1E5YqD7q0-xaZNPAozmPTeZnofkMZaPYCuMqiBFR8wdY4DAD_x02erZluQ30nv7DoQJLjHe53eAHLphQSVunhmgo3HrZBz9XqaueoLZSA72m4qL_QfrIIO7p2azGwH/w400-h325/T29A6486+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you're a new landlord this season and awaiting purple martins, now would be a good time to start playing the dawnsong at your site. You can play it on a portable CD player, from your car's CD player with the doors open, from your house with the windows open or from your cell phone. It should be played in the wee hours of the morning (starting about 5 AM through until about 9 or 10 AM). Then start playing the daytime chatter. Purple martins like to be around other purple martins and that will help draw their attention to your new sites.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmTXQs6zRQZc6MvBkHa96Xvg-xnbz-lotPW0deTTBz5GfYXTb9pCbIfFaWVcm4ftGgRdSBNd5bGaYXLwDT4aMZOnYMiowCN_HhJjZae8p23ZcBGbl7cSIOhyphenhyphen1rW9BE21OKZu52U-lFhtv/s960/purplemartin_ID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="960" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmTXQs6zRQZc6MvBkHa96Xvg-xnbz-lotPW0deTTBz5GfYXTb9pCbIfFaWVcm4ftGgRdSBNd5bGaYXLwDT4aMZOnYMiowCN_HhJjZae8p23ZcBGbl7cSIOhyphenhyphen1rW9BE21OKZu52U-lFhtv/w400-h244/purplemartin_ID.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you're still not sure of your ID skills, just watch for a bird
behaving like an out-of-control, hormonal teenager. That would be the SY
male. </p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-62582294696408299862021-04-24T08:14:00.000-07:002021-04-24T08:14:47.741-07:00Easy DIY Purple Martin Gourd Rack<p>I'll be writing another blog post soon about the current status of purple martins here at my site. But I wanted to get this information out to all of you that love to create things and are handy with wood while it's still early in the season.</p><p>I recently saw this DIY gourd rack on a purple martin forum and I think it is absolutely the best DIY gourd rack I've ever seen. I asked the gentleman who built it to share his plans and detailed instructions and he emailed me the following instructions & pictures. There are also links to all the supplies that he used at the bottom of this post.<br /></p><p>For those of you that would like to build this gourd rack, here ya go: <br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Instructions for how to build this gourd rack, provided by Jimmy
Dugan, Purple Martin Fanatics Group</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtocBW4-HoUL8ON9Z2_s6_Ic-mQlL4CMjrxwYyDGD9s78WcNAz2BfDvV6Ck3cK6nmFXJrNb9jpFsWaPFoq1uwopipEYPI8KSpJ5-DrhQHAwVSETCU1KURywd4P6JDzcwQbfZP-7EWYDD0o/s403/J_Dugan_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtocBW4-HoUL8ON9Z2_s6_Ic-mQlL4CMjrxwYyDGD9s78WcNAz2BfDvV6Ck3cK6nmFXJrNb9jpFsWaPFoq1uwopipEYPI8KSpJ5-DrhQHAwVSETCU1KURywd4P6JDzcwQbfZP-7EWYDD0o/w300-h400/J_Dugan_6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As far as the carriage system is concerned, I loosely followed the Anderson cc page.
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Link: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.anderson.cc/hazer.html?fbclid=IwAR3xJAgzzTwTRtJ89IM5c32TfpIsjVZD--fAq8xzE5TA6r-E4epUXPYZZAI">http://www.anderson.cc/hazer.html?fbclid=IwAR3xJAgzzTwTRtJ89IM5c32TfpIsjVZD--fAq8xzE5TA6r-E4epUXPYZZAI</a></u></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I used two, three foot 2x6 boards. The carriage system is held
together using, 3/8" threaded rod, washers and nuts.
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The actual system that rides on the pole is 1/2" outer diameter,
3/8" inner diameter aluminum tubing. The tubing is cut based on
the size of the pole to be used.
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Installed over the tubing is 3/4" pvc pipe which actually does
the "rolling" up and down the pole. This is cut shorter
than the tubing so it doesn't chafe on the wood as it goes up and
down. </p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqRLktsucDFLIe8OUqEckBC6QsmUr2cY5RhEHU_aj_u8i2kwsyISNVPzE77aRmSm4SlxB2oYmooj1CMrsBfd8Bn1gISlc1fFM8Eoc-7iFgzAuJcFv3eu8LiXSXtIT6JXu_dhlDpLam0kF/s2048/J_Dugan_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqRLktsucDFLIe8OUqEckBC6QsmUr2cY5RhEHU_aj_u8i2kwsyISNVPzE77aRmSm4SlxB2oYmooj1CMrsBfd8Bn1gISlc1fFM8Eoc-7iFgzAuJcFv3eu8LiXSXtIT6JXu_dhlDpLam0kF/w300-h400/J_Dugan_17.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
View inside the carriage system, showing the ¾” pvc pipe that was
installed over the 3/8” aluminum tubing</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7MeTvla5uMA6MP_zxO-aJm2qJwTewHoABMGI1BOIGb1RjJm-TBfqJaTSb9ozqGihlqlMfM-edX4aw7YkRejmB0PC2IZ5VVWrdTN3tPskkW7SgMD40oVGhdg1WgsuyqhslIOevYNJrcKY/s403/J_Dugan_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7MeTvla5uMA6MP_zxO-aJm2qJwTewHoABMGI1BOIGb1RjJm-TBfqJaTSb9ozqGihlqlMfM-edX4aw7YkRejmB0PC2IZ5VVWrdTN3tPskkW7SgMD40oVGhdg1WgsuyqhslIOevYNJrcKY/w300-h400/J_Dugan_16.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Closeup showing the pvc pipe as it rolls against the steel pole.</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgKGSU63VDv3qlDjL5-O8W7A4ndzLfaNpcVP5CqDrfPv_gSmXhKJenlR5qMxhTEvpmgkOvpisOcNu4qb10CAUVT-32LcRfaQMdnhjtSqlJMyIlFZChlDFR1ArKyczDXUGlaSg5HsJZHuS/s403/J_Dugan_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgKGSU63VDv3qlDjL5-O8W7A4ndzLfaNpcVP5CqDrfPv_gSmXhKJenlR5qMxhTEvpmgkOvpisOcNu4qb10CAUVT-32LcRfaQMdnhjtSqlJMyIlFZChlDFR1ArKyczDXUGlaSg5HsJZHuS/w300-h400/J_Dugan_4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The 2x4 cross members are approximately 26” long and screwed to the
carriage. The gourds are attached to the 2x4 cross members using 3/8"
threaded rod. You can buy the 3/8” threaded rod in 6 foot lengths
and cut them in half so they are 3 feet long. The gourds attach to
them using nuts and washers.</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49Nh45iTnhYQa-H0zhU1MR7I2msTsbDhyphenhyphenv9bnb49FIOztEnZujmqn0VSJTJlcTfSGk93NOTUuCgaP6Yd4Z1oOwpNKW6NrJElr76WDU1iikuLxZhtF3MdlhpRXJ7QkhIoxLcMUcE0PrxUE/s403/J_Dugan_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49Nh45iTnhYQa-H0zhU1MR7I2msTsbDhyphenhyphenv9bnb49FIOztEnZujmqn0VSJTJlcTfSGk93NOTUuCgaP6Yd4Z1oOwpNKW6NrJElr76WDU1iikuLxZhtF3MdlhpRXJ7QkhIoxLcMUcE0PrxUE/w300-h400/J_Dugan_15.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLMfDK0pY6UGiz0hI5rpjjDirccPcAhs7W1MsTDggK2LPcn3FDOE53Y0D_pmCs6KR3xgIMex1CaVeKX1TmaRM5Gf6nG0vCZPshdzH8iIstNxDvqgqpvtFg2gH2FZovj_-fIjp5Q_nbNJZ/s403/J_Dugan_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLMfDK0pY6UGiz0hI5rpjjDirccPcAhs7W1MsTDggK2LPcn3FDOE53Y0D_pmCs6KR3xgIMex1CaVeKX1TmaRM5Gf6nG0vCZPshdzH8iIstNxDvqgqpvtFg2gH2FZovj_-fIjp5Q_nbNJZ/w300-h400/J_Dugan_14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFtq1A7Usi3ZExDIGQ-CDWhwLwftFxFz6UyJbmXy2VUAoJvNrKRXI0DoNowpcHz-Jqmp9ADGtXkn_Xy26HFKd_84L-IKjB1YMuwDDWxCKqHX_Rjj1Z_uybATICPO0sgLV18cCEOog1ZnK/s403/J_Dugan_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFtq1A7Usi3ZExDIGQ-CDWhwLwftFxFz6UyJbmXy2VUAoJvNrKRXI0DoNowpcHz-Jqmp9ADGtXkn_Xy26HFKd_84L-IKjB1YMuwDDWxCKqHX_Rjj1Z_uybATICPO0sgLV18cCEOog1ZnK/w300-h400/J_Dugan_13.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Once you build the carriage system, the possibilities are endless as
to what you mock up to hold gourds/houses. Mine in particular has 16
S&K Bo 9 gourds attached to it.<p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCruNgZTAtWHNyV7-lT42prjchmKrOfALXijvI4qI6QAo-erXGJc4jBL-bYunxQMNQ98pmZ3F4ES2Y7jXoB-5XzmHMgb3i8L-HBZDlCGCT4vzlCsv1BNgiembPjVXaATlqxZWwiF4EsKC/s403/J_Dugan_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCruNgZTAtWHNyV7-lT42prjchmKrOfALXijvI4qI6QAo-erXGJc4jBL-bYunxQMNQ98pmZ3F4ES2Y7jXoB-5XzmHMgb3i8L-HBZDlCGCT4vzlCsv1BNgiembPjVXaATlqxZWwiF4EsKC/w300-h400/J_Dugan_12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A nut is installed on either side of the gourd neck to hold it in
place.</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyIlJYu6Lv-IFhQAOZAqkfErcSEEpYRpskEyQFJcLJaAL3qFGrBg3lqagBXPKdkvH5eHwIeaVAVa7UCUs3F7ujZRiv3e3tmG5qB3dM2eqU3a34FRtkg8yFltCNha98i94WjlCoWj2YzYE/s403/J_Dugan_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyIlJYu6Lv-IFhQAOZAqkfErcSEEpYRpskEyQFJcLJaAL3qFGrBg3lqagBXPKdkvH5eHwIeaVAVa7UCUs3F7ujZRiv3e3tmG5qB3dM2eqU3a34FRtkg8yFltCNha98i94WjlCoWj2YzYE/w300-h400/J_Dugan_9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
To keep the 3/8” threaded rod from slipping back & forth, nuts
are tightened up against the 2x4’s on each side.</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L6RWGTYnEyO46kzJ1DzHdYA3duK2Y5De3UG__XwHTR2unFaYndeqJbcK2yTPtSdV3SpTVGiXzhG_yWsSHJnD7gM1D6xTiyQQiLwjpz1LK6ANZQmnJyjOBYAfQANMjebHyVH-Bk_ggSuy/s403/J_Dugan_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L6RWGTYnEyO46kzJ1DzHdYA3duK2Y5De3UG__XwHTR2unFaYndeqJbcK2yTPtSdV3SpTVGiXzhG_yWsSHJnD7gM1D6xTiyQQiLwjpz1LK6ANZQmnJyjOBYAfQANMjebHyVH-Bk_ggSuy/w300-h400/J_Dugan_8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The pole that was used was galvanized steel. At the top of the pole,
I cut a notch for the 4 inch diameter V idler pulley which I bought
from Amazon. The pulley is attached to the pole by using a 3/8"
bolt.</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is kept centered using spacers on either side.
</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gFEoxYqfrrwrYlgveAQH4S2zfi4tqLgzBwYFGwDVsAw-W2uKoOf21H4YeBbWveI5kykZb5tkBOsUxY6n9L8J7K1FESVCcXq-0RYowd4OHULtgzUmtm24Hrgy74qjEr1WodE56GLLCTZM/s403/J_Dugan_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gFEoxYqfrrwrYlgveAQH4S2zfi4tqLgzBwYFGwDVsAw-W2uKoOf21H4YeBbWveI5kykZb5tkBOsUxY6n9L8J7K1FESVCcXq-0RYowd4OHULtgzUmtm24Hrgy74qjEr1WodE56GLLCTZM/w300-h400/J_Dugan_11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />The winch can be purchased from Harbor Freight for $20. I believe it
is rated for 1k lbs. It's bolted directly to the pole as I couldn't
find U bolts that would work for it.<p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWgKGCM78zlnA2iVjsJ9SM60AMB82y3_Vh85DZlF8zItcXVwD74JRtnSRNevAMj_duiXE3EZ_MqqdSr0W1ZJYRt1ZzlL7KlmY3sSQPTQaSUNC8RaMaE9gB3yArBH32wRNISDlDVfzaxUU/s2048/x_duplicate_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWgKGCM78zlnA2iVjsJ9SM60AMB82y3_Vh85DZlF8zItcXVwD74JRtnSRNevAMj_duiXE3EZ_MqqdSr0W1ZJYRt1ZzlL7KlmY3sSQPTQaSUNC8RaMaE9gB3yArBH32wRNISDlDVfzaxUU/w300-h400/x_duplicate_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The cable is attached on the opposite side of the carriage system
from the winch, to an eye bolt.</p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-N2AWi6q2tuLYqsyrrrmlpsrwz-usMHA7pd9qYsSYK5TvUjAn3ho018gAsMEl27-IcwCYb_Cn6VWFE2HJ0z8auL58RQxXdlJmPoIeUJJeVsyb2aNpQWyuVhB2V5nVDrQplh9e9lO-622/s403/J_Dugan_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-N2AWi6q2tuLYqsyrrrmlpsrwz-usMHA7pd9qYsSYK5TvUjAn3ho018gAsMEl27-IcwCYb_Cn6VWFE2HJ0z8auL58RQxXdlJmPoIeUJJeVsyb2aNpQWyuVhB2V5nVDrQplh9e9lO-622/w300-h400/J_Dugan_7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A small pulley is mounted to the top of the carriage to keep the cable from rubbing against the carriage system. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkh_5fFFAXsbiYr7_tdS-vuMrErC46dktMRJXDU3jOKaAa6CG4KfeuONhyphenhyphenTavlwayYG9LOmaFEp1sQ8L_LoF_PgdAKBNo7DcjKATwQP3qTzKJlVODiZ5eYsQ3JdwsK3l_jthLMjxEb05-/s403/J_Dugan_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkh_5fFFAXsbiYr7_tdS-vuMrErC46dktMRJXDU3jOKaAa6CG4KfeuONhyphenhyphenTavlwayYG9LOmaFEp1sQ8L_LoF_PgdAKBNo7DcjKATwQP3qTzKJlVODiZ5eYsQ3JdwsK3l_jthLMjxEb05-/w300-h400/J_Dugan_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I put two perches at the top of the pole again using 3/8"
threaded rod.
</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7TnmRPZoGg39q8ZMawXQV6dLQ11jMPPjQtqFTXchpTOflVkl6h2Z5jq8hQVi0lGJcsnbxWkkg12h7zZoRj02LXsI1OLd7cfOHjA5HPdm5_ftaHZAsxx3kIy2l9ouEx-4Vn-sVEjiaYGG/s403/J_Dugan_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7TnmRPZoGg39q8ZMawXQV6dLQ11jMPPjQtqFTXchpTOflVkl6h2Z5jq8hQVi0lGJcsnbxWkkg12h7zZoRj02LXsI1OLd7cfOHjA5HPdm5_ftaHZAsxx3kIy2l9ouEx-4Vn-sVEjiaYGG/w300-h400/J_Dugan_10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The pole is in a ground socket that I built using pvc trim board that
I cut to width. I like the idea of the socket so I can remove the
pole and there will not be a ground stake still there. </p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I could have used all stainless hardware....but I didn't want to
spend a million dollars. So I used zinc and galvanized stuff.</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Well, Jimmy - it certainly looks like a million dollar setup! I bet the martins think so too!</p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUX7ymlNmW0XdXfJ55G6ox5FP63xAeRU_luvXcAjmktYws_uxKCNfCzwtSxDKYneDPC4Oja0BJ8rLceNTQgVPnBFyVDBkFKg72aO6ps3VZHBYJmzSfoeUEMNibkF763BOC5i9HVV0Hlxd/s2048/PXL_20210419_135454752.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUX7ymlNmW0XdXfJ55G6ox5FP63xAeRU_luvXcAjmktYws_uxKCNfCzwtSxDKYneDPC4Oja0BJ8rLceNTQgVPnBFyVDBkFKg72aO6ps3VZHBYJmzSfoeUEMNibkF763BOC5i9HVV0Hlxd/w300-h400/PXL_20210419_135454752.MP.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Links to the things I used. <p></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Round Tubing:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-36-in-x-1-2-in-x-1-16-in-Aluminum-Round-Tube-801247/204274002">https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-36-in-x-1-2-in-x-1-16-in-Aluminum-Round-Tube-801247/204274002</a></u></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hand Winch:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/winches/hand-winches/12-ton-capacity-hand-winch-62592.html">https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/winches/hand-winches/12-ton-capacity-hand-winch-62592.html</a></u></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
3/8” threaded Rod:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Steelworks-3-8-in-dia-x-6-ft-L-Coarse-Steel-Threaded-Rod/3128769">https://www.lowes.com/pd/Steelworks-3-8-in-dia-x-6-ft-L-Coarse-Steel-Threaded-Rod/3128769</a></u></span></span></p>
<h1 align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal;"><a name="title"></a><a name="productTitle"></a>
<span style="font-size: small;">V-Groove Idler Pulley: </span>
</h1>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KMHQYVJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KMHQYVJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a></u></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
PVC Pipe:
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Charlotte-Pipe-3-4-in-dia-x-10-ft-L-200-PSI-SDR-21-PVC-Pipe/3133103">https://www.lowes.com/pd/Charlotte-Pipe-3-4-in-dia-x-10-ft-L-200-PSI-SDR-21-PVC-Pipe/3133103</a></u></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-13401768712781442532021-03-19T15:11:00.007-07:002021-03-29T07:40:44.026-07:00Smell That Smoke?<p>The title of this blogpost is a phrase that is normally used by BBQ restaurants, but when you smell smoke here on Gobbler's Knob; we're usually burning the prairie. And, it's usually not an accident - it's a result of a few years of cajoling and convincing the Fire Chief that it's time.</p><p>Way back in Winter & Spring of 2019, then again in 2020, we missed the opportunity to burn our first prairie installation (according to Mr. Freeze -but, I think he was just stalling-ha!). I was bummed. The original prairie hadn't been burned since 2013 and the east field hadn't been burned since 2014. We had bought an old hay rake and had been raking off the duff every year, but nothing beats prairie rejuvenation like a good, hot fire. </p><p>So, in Fall, 2020 Mr. Freeze knew he could not put it off for another year. There was going to be a major burn on Gobbler's Knob before the plants started to emerge this year - he could either be part of the planning...or be surprised when he saw the flames. We waited & we watched the weather. I watched all the major MDC and MPF burns and reminded him almost daily. We had learned our lessons from previous burns - make good, wide firebreaks, wait until the wind was right and don't mow it down until you're ready to throw a match. </p><p>FINALLY, we had a week of dry weather and with the reassurance of assistance from one of my best friends, Cindy and her husband Rob, Bob quickly mowed the field on March 6th and refreshed the firebreaks. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI-9nEoQfReOIobkiKDaqc94isOvIhYn5-dQh0sumeLReFynSi5eaezdPRwYZ1YkNLbrC4XKZxOAUE5qlYmbT7qTEMgi-ILxEzEA2gqKbZu-lX4J9M9zSmKzubhK5bCtcCsnHR95sVQh_/s1632/IMG_1706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI-9nEoQfReOIobkiKDaqc94isOvIhYn5-dQh0sumeLReFynSi5eaezdPRwYZ1YkNLbrC4XKZxOAUE5qlYmbT7qTEMgi-ILxEzEA2gqKbZu-lX4J9M9zSmKzubhK5bCtcCsnHR95sVQh_/w400-h300/IMG_1706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Plenty of dry fuel for the burn. The view from south of the pond.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoalEPPvf81woRL5KB8JHtEffxOozhEsbK_YLANYJmTfQKswi48EorK3w_6SFbyDc-sR5XLh49vT9JEWg97_2kZkgFYREWQWMNY0Cicak821nPhgDimfvN2R1auh_PCfq9LzIjY4-ha3St/s1632/IMG_1708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoalEPPvf81woRL5KB8JHtEffxOozhEsbK_YLANYJmTfQKswi48EorK3w_6SFbyDc-sR5XLh49vT9JEWg97_2kZkgFYREWQWMNY0Cicak821nPhgDimfvN2R1auh_PCfq9LzIjY4-ha3St/w400-h300/IMG_1708.JPG" width="400" /></a></p>The fire crew arrived early on March 7th and our fire chief (Bob) tries to corral everyone so he can teach them how to use the tools, sprayers, etc. We all look like we're paying attention, right?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAdygPnUrlrITNRVSap1YApWxMl-rcm6puWSWKnV6ELFhiBSXXNIrCPifJS4LF_ZUA1T2r_HCZ8vsvHn2T-BPTmLf7Ea9Muvt6XzDYagH1dXwHLvVTfn5WGtsW5pnSSZkpSRtQTTzaeI2/s2048/IMG_1710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAdygPnUrlrITNRVSap1YApWxMl-rcm6puWSWKnV6ELFhiBSXXNIrCPifJS4LF_ZUA1T2r_HCZ8vsvHn2T-BPTmLf7Ea9Muvt6XzDYagH1dXwHLvVTfn5WGtsW5pnSSZkpSRtQTTzaeI2/w400-h300/IMG_1710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Enough training - let's throw a match - we'll make it up as we go along. The wind was perfect - 5-10 mph, solid & steady from the southwest. But Bob and I have seen this rodeo before, so Cindy and I started burning the northern firebreak and working our way to the west - just in case the wind decided to change direction. Low & slow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcW3gDjHKVlNnxntt7ukh5qsxV-adcu8aUZ5yjSh1RGB8sj0pd2HN2bVxtEDa11HqSJJbWELErPy6fHy5Ok1z0hMJnWZvpxlGmAmo9ZjwG5keBtxnzM7_5lKw2DQ7We6JjL5Ds6ttj9kq/s2048/IMG_1711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcW3gDjHKVlNnxntt7ukh5qsxV-adcu8aUZ5yjSh1RGB8sj0pd2HN2bVxtEDa11HqSJJbWELErPy6fHy5Ok1z0hMJnWZvpxlGmAmo9ZjwG5keBtxnzM7_5lKw2DQ7We6JjL5Ds6ttj9kq/w400-h300/IMG_1711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We left Rob to attend the very high-fuel area. He's got water and is partnered with the Fire Chief. Notice the nice back-burn slowly snaking its way across the dried grass?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHhWc4Up6sux5oWYQTYUEqBAWjiQoRgqCAQB2gWbJK-fw-qN-n3Xk3Nm7-sXOt6UZLipLDLsKzW_mzFxZiXJqTbuQPf6QfhlVljLRdC-CJzMZHgMCjs69A4speaRxsJSY5arv7yqwFYif/s2048/IMG_1712.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHhWc4Up6sux5oWYQTYUEqBAWjiQoRgqCAQB2gWbJK-fw-qN-n3Xk3Nm7-sXOt6UZLipLDLsKzW_mzFxZiXJqTbuQPf6QfhlVljLRdC-CJzMZHgMCjs69A4speaRxsJSY5arv7yqwFYif/w400-h300/IMG_1712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The men worked their way southward down the eastern firebreak, while Cindy and I worked our way towards the firebreak to the West, finally turning southward, along the western firebreak..., only about 10 minutes behind the east crew.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sVqmMPtcX8tq8plPh9FoPhyphenhyphenVVxJIWVW5xGY0kfEkT3EO6ILIe7eBRtjUEZpi_Lb6xEtwtie7BeLheB1cAeqDOHXb8MddZ-fLAk-eJQZ0bmRlh-sT8_uXxvxnfHgquab057XTEd6NdPYj/s2048/IMG_1715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sVqmMPtcX8tq8plPh9FoPhyphenhyphenVVxJIWVW5xGY0kfEkT3EO6ILIe7eBRtjUEZpi_Lb6xEtwtie7BeLheB1cAeqDOHXb8MddZ-fLAk-eJQZ0bmRlh-sT8_uXxvxnfHgquab057XTEd6NdPYj/w400-h300/IMG_1715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Bob & Rob's line looks like it died out - is that why they're standing there leaning on their rakes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFqp8AZc27Zrn4ASKh2ZP_wMwsbkptgNfJUu0jYivIKOJHPNlxirx5RJJE1a1H5hufL9lTXph3N9gZLRV4UcEB09g9kremXuMWkGIPISilKAa8i1nBtxpaWcOKZUtpwZjgIC6z4jbKeVT/s894/IMG_1713+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="894" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFqp8AZc27Zrn4ASKh2ZP_wMwsbkptgNfJUu0jYivIKOJHPNlxirx5RJJE1a1H5hufL9lTXph3N9gZLRV4UcEB09g9kremXuMWkGIPISilKAa8i1nBtxpaWcOKZUtpwZjgIC6z4jbKeVT/w400-h309/IMG_1713+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then, the inevitable happened - it was as if the Wind Gods knew that Cindy and I were having a great time...taking our time. The wind direction shifted and it was suddenly coming straight from the East. Blowing a head-fire right towards our west line that wasn't quite completed yet. And Cindy needed to refill her sprayer. I looked up and saw this re-invigorated fire line coming at us, so I started dragging fire at a slow trot, trying to not look too panicked and I glanced over to see Cindy quickly refilling her sprayer.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nqO9WGp0EOwf9ZEIvIm4rtbzS2yDPqeYnmcJlSWYB9wYeggTM7AMLVjC5Q5saEzxWKl4nSookbKm1D5jYi8381bm9Jq3UvCULa6vMzUIr1acd9hkOW3HIYgfFoNhTgxvncsx-RLCwsgq/s2048/IMG_1720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nqO9WGp0EOwf9ZEIvIm4rtbzS2yDPqeYnmcJlSWYB9wYeggTM7AMLVjC5Q5saEzxWKl4nSookbKm1D5jYi8381bm9Jq3UvCULa6vMzUIr1acd9hkOW3HIYgfFoNhTgxvncsx-RLCwsgq/w400-h300/IMG_1720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>For one brief second, I thought we would get a reprieve as the wind whipped around again.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesc6pDE-7nbryzEkl_Efa7fg0FtGiz0yib7nPxiYBWn3O2iYV-BcyFzWMx5AEseEdaYzo0ysHTxsjCeTmxaqTgAQ5blu9F5E8qQqicXhslQfndRzqVi5gJ86ZHtCV1WOK2ifpbwGF-T8N/s2048/IMG_1724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesc6pDE-7nbryzEkl_Efa7fg0FtGiz0yib7nPxiYBWn3O2iYV-BcyFzWMx5AEseEdaYzo0ysHTxsjCeTmxaqTgAQ5blu9F5E8qQqicXhslQfndRzqVi5gJ86ZHtCV1WOK2ifpbwGF-T8N/w400-h300/IMG_1724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Nope, keep dragging girl...faster. Where's that water sprayer?<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujLNBWNisPgM5_b-cBV1GcFFhEgj2PcsvB7MV1Q2x_fnC462z4nMh0PAsy_iF053d6qGMOqP2tao6dZbHgAQHro-UF71jkzlCZZ0cv84rE2TdMl9bRYqaQF-6e-bWBseV3VDGM2tHyw3/s2048/IMG_1721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujLNBWNisPgM5_b-cBV1GcFFhEgj2PcsvB7MV1Q2x_fnC462z4nMh0PAsy_iF053d6qGMOqP2tao6dZbHgAQHro-UF71jkzlCZZ0cv84rE2TdMl9bRYqaQF-6e-bWBseV3VDGM2tHyw3/w400-h300/IMG_1721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>And then, as quickly as it started, the wind changed again. Cindy and I had reached our corner fire break and the neighborhood was safe once more from the firebugs on Gobbler's Knob.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-tAeIWaB4goEZQWddqDYdAaGK5Mbcw_S50ZyZZtXyNKAJd3ep4NyBzN6ewusFkpdq_JXjwtBIAvVNDpphJwpeFx32Q2Hf895gdE8hzygWrRFELyPZRPkUGs0VrAm-Ayane1Z1l9Kqj3k/s2048/IMG_1718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-tAeIWaB4goEZQWddqDYdAaGK5Mbcw_S50ZyZZtXyNKAJd3ep4NyBzN6ewusFkpdq_JXjwtBIAvVNDpphJwpeFx32Q2Hf895gdE8hzygWrRFELyPZRPkUGs0VrAm-Ayane1Z1l9Kqj3k/w400-h300/IMG_1718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The wind shifted to come directly from the West and we had our own head-fire excitement for a few minutes, but no reason to panic - the firebreaks can contain this now and we can hang out & enjoy.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx770w1VgiLcG9VBWgj73vNVW8D47uocIUaTY-PYkH0qXrQ3O0G6x_A6eTx13BWZ8ndJsyCJ8E8YnCz7ZCfiqXvWb3y2-LOlhdOl6m9AU81FrzeQ46xaa0jsObLqNsI2a4rvG5ExL3zF4/s2048/IMG_1716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx770w1VgiLcG9VBWgj73vNVW8D47uocIUaTY-PYkH0qXrQ3O0G6x_A6eTx13BWZ8ndJsyCJ8E8YnCz7ZCfiqXvWb3y2-LOlhdOl6m9AU81FrzeQ46xaa0jsObLqNsI2a4rvG5ExL3zF4/w400-h300/IMG_1716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We were so comfortable with the containment now that Cindy could take a video. She's so good at it! Good grief - I sound like a child - "I saved a wooley worm"! Oh well, I'm not going to edit the video - it's the way I am and everyone should know this about me. We had a blast - thank you, Cindy & Rob for helping us. We would have been in good company if we had ended up in jail for burning down the county - fortunately, thanks to your help, we didn't!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c0V4EW4CTdU" width="320" youtube-src-id="c0V4EW4CTdU"></iframe></div><p></p><p>The completed burn - approximately 2.5 acres. I can't wait to see what it looks like this Spring!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn9hcoQXJmoRr7C6kZX6h_J2IB12kL5i7pkOz4lczJYHbYMt7gDPBhON9wMBwBu1JsQNP_ssQ2m4VanVr0n-XYo9Ls9FV54JwvrNA1BOpR9ccW2_P2z1t8tbhJzJrjdnohJGFG64H8A-7/s2048/20210308_090121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn9hcoQXJmoRr7C6kZX6h_J2IB12kL5i7pkOz4lczJYHbYMt7gDPBhON9wMBwBu1JsQNP_ssQ2m4VanVr0n-XYo9Ls9FV54JwvrNA1BOpR9ccW2_P2z1t8tbhJzJrjdnohJGFG64H8A-7/w400-h300/20210308_090121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>View from the south east corner. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHLuVY18vL0xK-3B_WJndXQ7zCSnZvHO4xfttns6hp8T0M8D74qJpKiZ-eQBVpwjm5hfhPOWjQcoGtTlOxXrOfeqcbDhhOJWu_ylwPKAaC25GzXwV1O39cv86N9QUhH-US0sToug8o8Da/s2048/20210308_090417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHLuVY18vL0xK-3B_WJndXQ7zCSnZvHO4xfttns6hp8T0M8D74qJpKiZ-eQBVpwjm5hfhPOWjQcoGtTlOxXrOfeqcbDhhOJWu_ylwPKAaC25GzXwV1O39cv86N9QUhH-US0sToug8o8Da/w400-h300/20210308_090417.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The eastern firebreak. The specimen garden (where I planted numerous specimens from which I can gather various seeds to share), burned very thoroughly.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55VmQzipGKdK6pFW01nRkGFK1cpUiQkOgRd-Ehf46Qn_T-wTE5_f-w3ICY98ubABV5UOboRcZnrSOu6PfUk88Tg4MzIPAWCvRBtdEnkrfF9c-OTEuxE_f_EuDtw5PUjVHzqG0poabdS3U/s2048/20210308_090650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55VmQzipGKdK6pFW01nRkGFK1cpUiQkOgRd-Ehf46Qn_T-wTE5_f-w3ICY98ubABV5UOboRcZnrSOu6PfUk88Tg4MzIPAWCvRBtdEnkrfF9c-OTEuxE_f_EuDtw5PUjVHzqG0poabdS3U/w400-h300/20210308_090650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We also burned the "East Field" while we had the benefit of Cindy and Rob's help.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YHvDFg35Ksw6hyphenhyphenTO8SeS1ln9hnZ1KiY0Ki8TcAEe3w3a5d7OsNTwMx4eS6tYsBfCTMOyeatVwZepV0ifDO3-5yzTtpx-CTvyt6p1g7AunOeV9ZGUqR9ECzQXoaC2kSqewWD8Af-NsW4T/s2048/IMG_1730.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YHvDFg35Ksw6hyphenhyphenTO8SeS1ln9hnZ1KiY0Ki8TcAEe3w3a5d7OsNTwMx4eS6tYsBfCTMOyeatVwZepV0ifDO3-5yzTtpx-CTvyt6p1g7AunOeV9ZGUqR9ECzQXoaC2kSqewWD8Af-NsW4T/w400-h300/IMG_1730.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the south of the burned East field.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7yVVMSGQZzK06i67VUftPIdMUcFbPiGbnCtOMFPqeWLlPzSJycKvIX2psxPard2ML86HPDQrntMa_SwdZtYHGfNng3Ch-9AizXrZQi2vCZzXmaV4miaM3tHqDQVnijPZOmGaVmVafa5O/s2048/IMG_1734.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7yVVMSGQZzK06i67VUftPIdMUcFbPiGbnCtOMFPqeWLlPzSJycKvIX2psxPard2ML86HPDQrntMa_SwdZtYHGfNng3Ch-9AizXrZQi2vCZzXmaV4miaM3tHqDQVnijPZOmGaVmVafa5O/w400-h300/IMG_1734.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the north of the burned East field.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-74023189424391101892021-03-10T13:08:00.005-08:002021-03-10T13:08:27.158-08:00Purple Martin Season 2021 Has Begun<p>My first purple martin 'scout' of this new season arrived on March 8th, 2021. It was 65 degrees and winds were out of the southwest - great migration weather. The awful polar vortex that hit the southern states just as migration began created a worrisome start this year with thousands of birds dying, including untold numbers of purple martins that had just literally landed at their home sites. </p><p>But it appears that some things are returning to normal and it was such a joy to see her circling my colony Monday afternoon. I still haven't seen any bluebirds since I found 3 dead in a nestbox on Feb. 13th. I also usually have tree swallows that arrive with my first purple martin, but I still have not seen one of those yet. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iUHUU6CAgEI0cZSvCZerwVHGdGbv26mdobwflhzSWE2y9-lOuJkJdI8AuXDa9AdWrlQfev-YSD8z_Snd4hq_C2Q11mo6LUYJU7D-KZm6eYSYIt18tjOwQLwohB993rBlterkox5ARkGX/s564/T29A7481+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="564" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iUHUU6CAgEI0cZSvCZerwVHGdGbv26mdobwflhzSWE2y9-lOuJkJdI8AuXDa9AdWrlQfev-YSD8z_Snd4hq_C2Q11mo6LUYJU7D-KZm6eYSYIt18tjOwQLwohB993rBlterkox5ARkGX/w400-h370/T29A7481+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Missouri landlords should be raising their houses now - you can check out the Purple Martin Scout Arrival map live at this link to see if there are any reports submitted near your area. If you would like to report your own arrivals, you can use this link and create an account if you need to to enter your data.</p><p><a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/research/8/scout-arrival-study/">https://www.purplemartin.org/research/8/scout-arrival-study/</a><br /></p><p>This is today's map (my report is the purple dot with the red circle around it). <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzI7nMGkxvHvrdzW3KbJ_56VyzuOn7Oj2zFRJUFMr9qLB6V-8RMcASiPw9Mf80Z9RuzASHU5B3iRh5S665w_529jt7G-sK8RaBm3kUQ96WsyBQThKx2e4O34TAyHqzYUfHDmz_4m5IrsO/s1036/scout_arrival_Map-March10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1036" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzI7nMGkxvHvrdzW3KbJ_56VyzuOn7Oj2zFRJUFMr9qLB6V-8RMcASiPw9Mf80Z9RuzASHU5B3iRh5S665w_529jt7G-sK8RaBm3kUQ96WsyBQThKx2e4O34TAyHqzYUfHDmz_4m5IrsO/w400-h296/scout_arrival_Map-March10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I hope you have a great season and as always, you can reach me via this blog by commenting below or email me at purplemartin @ centurytel dot net. <br /><p><br /></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-66729282818387950492021-02-10T14:39:00.008-08:002021-02-10T14:39:37.752-08:00Building an Owl Excluder for Purple Martin Systems<p> </p><div class="" dir="auto"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc ihqw7lf3 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_16f"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">This year will be my 7th year having to deal with a Great Horned Owl and a Barred Owl here on Gobbler's Knob. The first couple of years were tough and we almost threw in the towel. But, with lots of support from other landlords who have 'been there, done that, got the t-shirt', we have reached an (un)-easy alliance with the owls.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Since many landlords either are in the same situation, or soon will be, I decided to make a video describing exactly how we built the cages that protect our purple martin systems. I've listed the materials and I also address some of the most common questions that we commonly receive each year about the cages.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Here are a few of the many videos I've recorded of the GHO attacking my colony. I did not arrive at deciding upon this solution easily - it was difficult and a lot of work. If anything else would have worked, I would have done that first. But this was ultimately the only solution that saved my colony.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">July, 2015: <a href="https://youtu.be/12lQopYkRdk">https://youtu.be/12lQopYkRdk</a> <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">GHO attacks Trendsetter and gourd rack: <span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://youtu.be/RexdpWmqgLY?fbclid=IwAR0MMjHP9r0f_EfruwABgc3XVyoI7wpM9ttX35Vom7W1byzgFFbh912m_rc" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/RexdpWmqgLY</a></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">Building an Owl Excluder for Purple Martin Systems</h1><h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Miq4Ou77ARQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="Miq4Ou77ARQ"></iframe></div><br /> </h1><span> </span><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span> </span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-42419058956398042032021-01-17T16:03:00.003-08:002021-01-22T09:29:01.418-08:00The Forgotten Territory<p>We have lived here for almost 14 years now and we have largely ignored this ravine that becomes a riparian zone during the spring and fall rains. There are huge amounts of water that flow through this carved-out valley where we have just let nature do its thing. Yesterday, with snow on the ground, Bob decided to take me on a tour. The ravine runs about 40' to 65' wide in various areas and about 660' long - approximately .6 acres. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCZqfuVfGYzlHU_Y6s2Caci4GQwtYBA7-NTiSaQnV8jqqkHcCUzu9mAPvSory0LdaChZvfvv1JZcj-K3ayKbBREmKx5sdc5Pj_bBBBypCXyQk3LxG5MGRArTs9TXua_8pbUo2vqXthLEK/s2048/T29A7194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCZqfuVfGYzlHU_Y6s2Caci4GQwtYBA7-NTiSaQnV8jqqkHcCUzu9mAPvSory0LdaChZvfvv1JZcj-K3ayKbBREmKx5sdc5Pj_bBBBypCXyQk3LxG5MGRArTs9TXua_8pbUo2vqXthLEK/w400-h266/T29A7194.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br /></p><p>Since I had never explored this part of our property, it was like entering a secret, magical kingdom. Our two owls - the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl, frequently take refuge from the crows in the trees that have managed to survive here. As we walked though, my excitement of sneaking through a new magical forest quickly turned to dismay. We found the mother-lode source of the invasive Japanese honeysuckle problems we've been having. As well as the likely 'mother' green-briar plants that are producing all the berries that the birds are planting all over the property. While green-briar is native, it can still be viciously wicked with all its sharp spines.</p><p>Today, since the weather was still cold and the ground still frozen, we decided to go in armed with a hatchet, limb cutters, trimmers and other tools and make a brutal assault on the honeysuckle. In this corridor, the green-briar and the honeysuckle have apparently teamed up to support each other and this is going to be a brute force project to remove it all. <br /></p><p>To the south- that is currently a 'no-fly' zone, as the still-green honeysuckle is intertwined with the multi-flora rose and I just didn't have the energy to go that way. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-Ef748XWekjo3GiQHgTcGvv-8Ik3EaOxSAv-nHFYjhXsdaDhe2EXO4g-V19pBVUaadRFe2D0fzmy20CpWo7wcdWC5F9AjrqXcmp-ACALO7BL5ouK3ebHHNgDQpLq6ssjtFrFMhjCBLoO/s2048/T29A7191.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-Ef748XWekjo3GiQHgTcGvv-8Ik3EaOxSAv-nHFYjhXsdaDhe2EXO4g-V19pBVUaadRFe2D0fzmy20CpWo7wcdWC5F9AjrqXcmp-ACALO7BL5ouK3ebHHNgDQpLq6ssjtFrFMhjCBLoO/w400-h266/T29A7191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So, let's head north.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdifNCLWPnRHKi46PwU9TFvO-aYTkmgzXcm90bfKRrMySd14uzEcqz11YoISAjiMbi2kKjsVaT9BUr3viVv8roFYNt3JVqZXKrF1_HDVQrd2MtFAYD8Vxl5hyphenhyphen2R9_BBFywrsBBcQg3cvH/s2048/T29A7165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdifNCLWPnRHKi46PwU9TFvO-aYTkmgzXcm90bfKRrMySd14uzEcqz11YoISAjiMbi2kKjsVaT9BUr3viVv8roFYNt3JVqZXKrF1_HDVQrd2MtFAYD8Vxl5hyphenhyphen2R9_BBFywrsBBcQg3cvH/w400-h266/T29A7165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> We cut all the vines at the bottom - it was disappointing how many trees the honeysuckle has already strangled here. For some, the thick mats of honeysuckle vines and the canopy of leaves they created over the top of the trees proved too much and a lot of the trees had succumbed. We didn't bother pulling the vines down (yet). It was enough to know that we've exacted a toll on them for now.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ndmXP-PfL2BVeMYUG6gVatg0TWecybWQY9T9icczcVkZFrqkf6hhf35xYU4kIUXWgMPsbvhbebYyL1l7-NRwp6b1MLhcMcgdoOQM_N6oVsdhfTAF5BD542nnd7kPgPR_q87XnG8ikiQg/s2048/T29A7179.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ndmXP-PfL2BVeMYUG6gVatg0TWecybWQY9T9icczcVkZFrqkf6hhf35xYU4kIUXWgMPsbvhbebYyL1l7-NRwp6b1MLhcMcgdoOQM_N6oVsdhfTAF5BD542nnd7kPgPR_q87XnG8ikiQg/w266-h400/T29A7179.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>It was bewildering at times to even know where to begin.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aQwClWMGjqQO1YGaqgTMMefAZmX03fBWW0EO2h7YMior9tw7wZwIYgct-b6t7euJWf1iJ6Xkx2Ia922nN0_LIbTaSXlpgIwFbXgSuFnmnQBjMUnUbOhCYGiYV3NWd_mPOGkQ6J9MnQnN/s2048/T29A7178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aQwClWMGjqQO1YGaqgTMMefAZmX03fBWW0EO2h7YMior9tw7wZwIYgct-b6t7euJWf1iJ6Xkx2Ia922nN0_LIbTaSXlpgIwFbXgSuFnmnQBjMUnUbOhCYGiYV3NWd_mPOGkQ6J9MnQnN/w266-h400/T29A7178.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We think this is either an ash or a cherry tree, with an almost equal-sized vine of poison ivy growing up the trunk. Can you spot the poison ivy?<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhclpv0itDIgU5zHfhE9WXirgBHWCBq8bzJSCwHyRintoykBDTzXWPuN4WaoWEr9G_dev2A3_-9UrWLWQiajy_MRzGIzGeoP-RvvoZEUUEnd5V6ieAw-fIExuD4lqPA27Q5Cj9zGwH6bXw/s2048/T29A7171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhclpv0itDIgU5zHfhE9WXirgBHWCBq8bzJSCwHyRintoykBDTzXWPuN4WaoWEr9G_dev2A3_-9UrWLWQiajy_MRzGIzGeoP-RvvoZEUUEnd5V6ieAw-fIExuD4lqPA27Q5Cj9zGwH6bXw/w266-h400/T29A7171.JPG" width="266" /> </a></p><p>See the picture below - the poison ivy is outlined with the white box. Unbelievable. Well, given my reaction to poison ivy...it can stay. For now. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx12IDYlj6gdCGALNI6GsafbLAYgzUVhcD6z2z3JHxRX1nHM35MM4wHwbjwx_LrgZJCaa-EYIHlBd5KHiRgH3Cb4ohv3KfNAKOFiWwlfj2KlSTGyQSd4nkTq26hCx-s8q2OHVgjH5dZ6Sg/s1476/T29A7171_PI.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1476" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx12IDYlj6gdCGALNI6GsafbLAYgzUVhcD6z2z3JHxRX1nHM35MM4wHwbjwx_LrgZJCaa-EYIHlBd5KHiRgH3Cb4ohv3KfNAKOFiWwlfj2KlSTGyQSd4nkTq26hCx-s8q2OHVgjH5dZ6Sg/w400-h226/T29A7171_PI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This looks like something from an Indiana Jones movie. Or maybe a Tarzan movie. I'm hoping that we killed vast swathes of honeysuckle that is choking out the canopy above by cutting these off. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqQ4cqNoAVa8aKA4weTOCFnyKBkyEjHH1LJARR_G5-HUAD3qMxVe-XvkQODqvEfUtX4EMACwre4gwK7N9-UaPk2IFGO-5IRmPQZCVUWTjNGHdTbGslQxrwTDXFnynHC6zZV-lNFYsZCs_/s2048/T29A7193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqQ4cqNoAVa8aKA4weTOCFnyKBkyEjHH1LJARR_G5-HUAD3qMxVe-XvkQODqvEfUtX4EMACwre4gwK7N9-UaPk2IFGO-5IRmPQZCVUWTjNGHdTbGslQxrwTDXFnynHC6zZV-lNFYsZCs_/w400-h266/T29A7193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdtW-ZfFdIHfbLDLyRGhTBnKPOpbAN8v-0umnoMbOMA6R3WgXlFuxvalz4Znr-ksp1kGtMDtHXtt0CmwUxb__DITqeMPcZ0nOCtqLusKpaX8QcjYHqwKlAVEps8UkjvTEsrto5635WKuX/s2048/T29A7190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdtW-ZfFdIHfbLDLyRGhTBnKPOpbAN8v-0umnoMbOMA6R3WgXlFuxvalz4Znr-ksp1kGtMDtHXtt0CmwUxb__DITqeMPcZ0nOCtqLusKpaX8QcjYHqwKlAVEps8UkjvTEsrto5635WKuX/w400-h266/T29A7190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIMd9rYBxbNK1qHpK4jYsLtXOKCioBb9p3U09HQNICff9LEyf_2b4HZDeUYRiXFBpprNIxM67hwhyphenhyphen0NUSkStafKQ1-zVHEUF5CkEX0dQKGCpFTflDReDJ7Kl3qupF7yirpcDRgsOcrl3b/s2048/T29A7188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIMd9rYBxbNK1qHpK4jYsLtXOKCioBb9p3U09HQNICff9LEyf_2b4HZDeUYRiXFBpprNIxM67hwhyphenhyphen0NUSkStafKQ1-zVHEUF5CkEX0dQKGCpFTflDReDJ7Kl3qupF7yirpcDRgsOcrl3b/w400-h266/T29A7188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NUxjHZ1txOTNgwaOQ47d64NlEQOz2YLRFGY1OCmpdrKOMuQyQu54IIQpe8KoT5Fce181_-XXFlPJPjGw4NsnhqznntZ0VDitX8a3cPbnTtWDY24Bp5OP1NBtvsc6tknTWJbmyQcBF79X/s2048/T29A7184.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NUxjHZ1txOTNgwaOQ47d64NlEQOz2YLRFGY1OCmpdrKOMuQyQu54IIQpe8KoT5Fce181_-XXFlPJPjGw4NsnhqznntZ0VDitX8a3cPbnTtWDY24Bp5OP1NBtvsc6tknTWJbmyQcBF79X/w266-h400/T29A7184.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsnn9V0tc94OKgM06wpm_G1BtzUlrb-lzlRmYAMJhHFvx4cdrVFwgzaCpv2_FO5AIN4lK3zU53DsRGDf_ocoxEOYG31PqoyDK5sUHTqdgNEuQxC1p-9kRGcpm9HGRm2uZ6cqiH9um2fy3/s2048/T29A7181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsnn9V0tc94OKgM06wpm_G1BtzUlrb-lzlRmYAMJhHFvx4cdrVFwgzaCpv2_FO5AIN4lK3zU53DsRGDf_ocoxEOYG31PqoyDK5sUHTqdgNEuQxC1p-9kRGcpm9HGRm2uZ6cqiH9um2fy3/w266-h400/T29A7181.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbQA-Av_qmy-atYezKbagLpdmSIblQKj_PCEWcNBciGrXkE1HCRurtxz1UrA9BAUpkLVm4yUI1aRZd8T-09xye2Tw97eqYCdZ1fJekOl0p0yCgNCn5zkIm-sH86_XbXPKdh2_0wsW2Nl2/s2048/T29A7180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbQA-Av_qmy-atYezKbagLpdmSIblQKj_PCEWcNBciGrXkE1HCRurtxz1UrA9BAUpkLVm4yUI1aRZd8T-09xye2Tw97eqYCdZ1fJekOl0p0yCgNCn5zkIm-sH86_XbXPKdh2_0wsW2Nl2/w266-h400/T29A7180.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I think I need a machete.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGQt0PCLJxaH8TWO38EFBBsiQD71kcEHLTNcKEthYWtprhB5PkUzkzmZjv_j3EHJsGkkSQkjCu446_bw9pceRovXB6SDAtCNLZEnLtu5SkERDsz1mM7sPfOfiZwnv87-DvNO-ux_0kbNL/s2048/T29A7176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGQt0PCLJxaH8TWO38EFBBsiQD71kcEHLTNcKEthYWtprhB5PkUzkzmZjv_j3EHJsGkkSQkjCu446_bw9pceRovXB6SDAtCNLZEnLtu5SkERDsz1mM7sPfOfiZwnv87-DvNO-ux_0kbNL/w400-h266/T29A7176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYODy1JXjFgS0GhuZFy_TdKCw3C_DYPxFUbOWU03x91ODVsTgqUd7PkfwrsvbykEHTcWa1FSzM8i29IpTP-BADxO6dD1Lg3HHcS89ws5DgmGPjBJe_dihyn0LjyOdslo7dTIoxDkMs-SL/s2048/T29A7175.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYODy1JXjFgS0GhuZFy_TdKCw3C_DYPxFUbOWU03x91ODVsTgqUd7PkfwrsvbykEHTcWa1FSzM8i29IpTP-BADxO6dD1Lg3HHcS89ws5DgmGPjBJe_dihyn0LjyOdslo7dTIoxDkMs-SL/w400-h266/T29A7175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyq6LWCP6AJMz-7JeBM0ONHOPVzVMrquJMeeQFVpyit6EgcQhl6rWj03TNrXdUgAhcOuUZaNHBivrjpBdy72DT43lvD6Ko2MzTtGap4ThyTjeEREhyeCXBAOL8lLD6AUDND9e7D5Acwb3/s2048/T29A7173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyq6LWCP6AJMz-7JeBM0ONHOPVzVMrquJMeeQFVpyit6EgcQhl6rWj03TNrXdUgAhcOuUZaNHBivrjpBdy72DT43lvD6Ko2MzTtGap4ThyTjeEREhyeCXBAOL8lLD6AUDND9e7D5Acwb3/w266-h400/T29A7173.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom4lf7m5ClCpMUBV9HaqpvkPnwNwEvTEPyGF0ujlgn9Rn5MBdp1ihGq_Oc68Bw0StonABR6sjHMkzuWJtrepV4qXcPL7sKk0IZEq_G0cixGv56tZaxx9JPq52Cj5HLgfKOkI88kGTZTbh/s2048/T29A7172.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom4lf7m5ClCpMUBV9HaqpvkPnwNwEvTEPyGF0ujlgn9Rn5MBdp1ihGq_Oc68Bw0StonABR6sjHMkzuWJtrepV4qXcPL7sKk0IZEq_G0cixGv56tZaxx9JPq52Cj5HLgfKOkI88kGTZTbh/w400-h266/T29A7172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One example of how the Green-briar and honeysuckle have teamed up against me. I swear they know I'm coming; they tense up and when I cut them, they snap and fly by my face ...as if that would stop me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN3SOr8QNWhu7EwY3Td7Sn2g799CqzVsYCoIRq-XDr3jTZA57hhf4V6fnqygCSuC0C4YqEEscd_5mvOVeZY7IOruJn3l9ZCDUHuIHuEdRhzEYJeTd34z_Vx0D80cE-PLb8PomKhffOMKt/s2048/T29A7169.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN3SOr8QNWhu7EwY3Td7Sn2g799CqzVsYCoIRq-XDr3jTZA57hhf4V6fnqygCSuC0C4YqEEscd_5mvOVeZY7IOruJn3l9ZCDUHuIHuEdRhzEYJeTd34z_Vx0D80cE-PLb8PomKhffOMKt/w400-h266/T29A7169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewhKHKkDkUIOv8IyzeNl8kwXGSObaph_LxlsVoV7KMDgI5Bq3hl9tp0uMh-mrYL4KnXCiWaddeCi66rD9pNjns3NsXe2rqK2Kjtc2bXwTNagBxfgKrkZPu92Re8b8NWQRuAcBOxnokfPZ/s2048/T29A7168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewhKHKkDkUIOv8IyzeNl8kwXGSObaph_LxlsVoV7KMDgI5Bq3hl9tp0uMh-mrYL4KnXCiWaddeCi66rD9pNjns3NsXe2rqK2Kjtc2bXwTNagBxfgKrkZPu92Re8b8NWQRuAcBOxnokfPZ/w266-h400/T29A7168.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>We have other projects that we haven't finished yet, and I'm trying hard not to be distracted by this new issue. But, if you want to relieve your stress, whacking your way through this kind of mess is one way to do it. We still have more to do in here, but at least now we have a passable path through. At some point, we will get to do the fun part - figuring out which native plants we can use to restore this area.<br /><p></p><p>I'm usually not someone to cry 'UNCLE', but we may have to call in reinforcements for the rest of this. </p><p><br /></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-14967150484206772842021-01-14T08:10:00.001-08:002021-01-17T16:08:45.599-08:00Dear Prairie - While You Were Sleeping<p>Winter is our time for burning, planning, planting and clearing even more areas to prepare them for the native plantings of forbes and grasses. With over 23 acres of soil available, we have an endless canvas where we can plant and then later, enjoy the summer blooming parties that result from so many varieties of plants.<br /></p><p>Each fall, as all the trees are starting to shake off their summer leaves and the flowers are starting to make seeds, I start visiting the <a href="https://www.hamiltonnativeoutpost.com/" target="_blank">Hamilton Native Seed</a> and <a href="http://mowildflowers.net/" target="_blank">Missouri Wildflowers</a> websites and perusing their catalogs. This year, I found a new educational resource - I signed myself up for the <a href="https://moprairie.org/" target="_blank">Missouri Prairie Foundation's</a> webinars via Zoom and yowza, are they fantastic! With Covid-19 lockdown and winter encroaching, now's the time for me to educate myself, read everything I can and discover new planting opportunities so we can provide more diversity in our native plantings. Thanks to MPF and Missouri Wildflowers, this year we decided to try something new - we now have over 40 new shrubs planted - wild hydrangea, ninebark, and witch hazel planted & hunkered down under leaf-mulch...waiting to spring their beautiful flowers on us this spring.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6hKw39PzDa7rxGqx0Qg6QC7bZ9SZA4HkcxAsDnf5ubFpcyeaXIrzvIjCMAhpmXpTiPOik3kG_4mPC0DAqHIsOsYyn5fBGnv9qseef0wtRuuEaDKqU89m0JIP_lKZ57LTMnRsAtmBC8sn/s2048/T29A7087+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6hKw39PzDa7rxGqx0Qg6QC7bZ9SZA4HkcxAsDnf5ubFpcyeaXIrzvIjCMAhpmXpTiPOik3kG_4mPC0DAqHIsOsYyn5fBGnv9qseef0wtRuuEaDKqU89m0JIP_lKZ57LTMnRsAtmBC8sn/w400-h266/T29A7087+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And thanks to Hamilton Seed and my own seed-gathering techniques (which consists of one step - outrun the birds), I have over 4 oz. of a variety of coneflower seeds (at 7,000 seeds/oz., I'm pretty proud of myself!) and almost 1 full pound of my full-sun native wildflower mix too (see the hand-written labels on the bags in the picture below). These orders I make are my Christmas presents to myself...thousands of wildflower seeds. Thousands...maybe millions. Gazillions...all to be planted this winter. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEIkzyDctJX1U3AG7BFuSoxJRBqV5eCUu8wyn6tGL1Erh_5rlu1F2bc6IhQwtN9YE-m6x1KbUrlgBgPwZ_kBOz16HVZei75KItse15C0xgWlu7mxwQ_0sgZ0pHpPoXMPdb3TFhLerMZB9/s2048/T29A7096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEIkzyDctJX1U3AG7BFuSoxJRBqV5eCUu8wyn6tGL1Erh_5rlu1F2bc6IhQwtN9YE-m6x1KbUrlgBgPwZ_kBOz16HVZei75KItse15C0xgWlu7mxwQ_0sgZ0pHpPoXMPdb3TFhLerMZB9/w400-h266/T29A7096.JPG" title="My order from Hamilton Seed this year." width="400" /></a></div>This is another quarter-acre area that we cleared - where one bag of the above wildflower seeds has already been spread. And it's right outside my home-office window!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrZ_q5iKPozjrTDH6SUNezrGPpVyXVaQQZwOCuazLhPHU4olE5LC8N_I09aJ-e-Ny1SZ0gBWGbMGaDjDh_JUc02R2AlsNx8tXKva1E6H_JRVWvG-m4_RlAFYgbQBBLVok5EAdEOqBonvW/s2048/T29A7099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrZ_q5iKPozjrTDH6SUNezrGPpVyXVaQQZwOCuazLhPHU4olE5LC8N_I09aJ-e-Ny1SZ0gBWGbMGaDjDh_JUc02R2AlsNx8tXKva1E6H_JRVWvG-m4_RlAFYgbQBBLVok5EAdEOqBonvW/w400-h266/T29A7099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We've also started tackling the non-native Japanese honeysuckle. Ugggh, what a pain it is. Below is a picture of a sprout (probably Sumac) that finally gave up. The honeysuckle had wrapped itself so tightly around the trunk that it created these permanent twists in the trunk. Behold the strength and the impact of the non-native, for they are indeed impressive, but now, we need to rip it out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnENSV7ijBGrCwK-85GgqUkG5ITxl70DfqM51HQ9LAYJzqhMhyyg4U6kHOUUXYkDesTAS3IY6Tuu_Umyo6bdqnsOqYwukfnlg6B5k6-hMoyCESl7rXDcqcFS1Y9igSQ4E5z9JUFfqdVA_X/s2048/T29A7112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnENSV7ijBGrCwK-85GgqUkG5ITxl70DfqM51HQ9LAYJzqhMhyyg4U6kHOUUXYkDesTAS3IY6Tuu_Umyo6bdqnsOqYwukfnlg6B5k6-hMoyCESl7rXDcqcFS1Y9igSQ4E5z9JUFfqdVA_X/w400-h266/T29A7112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I love winter, almost as much as I love fall. I can walk all the trails, even when covered with ice or snow and not be attacked by chiggers or ticks. It's a time when I can see everything from a different perspective. The ice-laden branches of the sandbar willows create their own beautiful reflections over the pond.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="2048" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8_hiH1cKEGrY-54_U_WOm73KMD3sOzxmOFCENXzQW1NEYaMGFhiN7UbTCsxOl8-8KjTzKv8NLcckJI3Dm0AegObiy9FEMFMgSEffcXezbBtxP2Vm-rCnAos_zLliIE_QgSDBIL0bVF_r/w400-h270/T29A7124+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></div><p>The cedar trees whine about the ice & cold as their branches droop, threatening to snap off, as the surrounding Sassafras and Ash trees stand tall and proud, bragging that their branches stand UP to such brutal weather, while simultaneously laughing at their sagging evergreen neighbors.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwslDpuaR-hpyX4gjAQ0BD4hBfZho7IiknOcMXD_-KC-zoO4Pfb3EAB4kCwG5E9QnMwfGIQr_ql6NpqGrb6hmWVZL_18ycsWz6CaRh5QzShT_gFjYZq5T9mJgAZH_6xHAA81tonCc088-L/s2048/Weepers.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwslDpuaR-hpyX4gjAQ0BD4hBfZho7IiknOcMXD_-KC-zoO4Pfb3EAB4kCwG5E9QnMwfGIQr_ql6NpqGrb6hmWVZL_18ycsWz6CaRh5QzShT_gFjYZq5T9mJgAZH_6xHAA81tonCc088-L/w400-h266/Weepers.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br /></p><p>As I walked yesterday, I recalled the pictures I took this past summer and thought it would be fun to compare the summer versus winter pictures from the same perspective. Winter is part of their normal cycle - the plants take time to rest, the soil re-saturates from the rainfall & snow (measured in feet here in the fall, winter & spring), the ground heaves and contracts to absorb the seeds dropped by all the plants and the seeds that need it, as they are stratified, in preparation for growing a new plant in the spring. It is a time to shake off the past year, renew and change things - to try again to do better in the New Year.<br /></p><p>The Sandbar willows on the pond:</p><p>Winter:<br /></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXH8TOBUrby6zk6sPMF4ruRniERJM01E2dT7rgOmv-Xl40lQxYbJsU0mR0JH15p6VfdQsmllxXwLXB6BlVw38KmQ8oOH95lSAwX09LY-2hkJJWWe9OhmFx44HxMpa7uoWwInk43ZFgZft/s2048/T29A7144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pond-winter 2021" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXH8TOBUrby6zk6sPMF4ruRniERJM01E2dT7rgOmv-Xl40lQxYbJsU0mR0JH15p6VfdQsmllxXwLXB6BlVw38KmQ8oOH95lSAwX09LY-2hkJJWWe9OhmFx44HxMpa7uoWwInk43ZFgZft/w400-h266/T29A7144.JPG" width="400" /> </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcduLSUecGmmYesT-6p1Wi417rJKgAeahOs23RSYm7bkICOnjYohyrhMEgfuGDP8a3ab0_8DrDiCBRO8CUlvUupnd0BA5pd_NAI9Hc_rgUe2I5yHM1-3YqQW64rRwQqVntZGSTnGico5mX/w400-h266/Sandbar_willows.JPG" width="400" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The Goldenrod and Indian Grass - Winter:<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybRwj5rpjbOgQXUu_oYUVioXxWO4J6AaEkfJc5qUJ8uzvPQQvqAFJnwzeKVJRt_cx7V9aXac8XHctCXcibLLfvQ9-6X6xQGIBzGCIUQqSas0vy9cNyNNnTmABo_wUt68NIP8QtKiPpqh8/s2048/T29A7143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybRwj5rpjbOgQXUu_oYUVioXxWO4J6AaEkfJc5qUJ8uzvPQQvqAFJnwzeKVJRt_cx7V9aXac8XHctCXcibLLfvQ9-6X6xQGIBzGCIUQqSas0vy9cNyNNnTmABo_wUt68NIP8QtKiPpqh8/w400-h266/T29A7143.JPG" width="400" /> </a></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;"> The same patch this past August / September:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJf2qy0uID0LWRQrFm4OlARuxp1lYP5bC2qy-W5Kze39htWVI_Hpyoh02ZinEe-2vXI3lalv0XjzGWnTyG9lI_dFMdouP4eenbjK1MdwAPZ0v9o3PADaxY8LRxjfquwBkxByF1ytohrOj/s2048/Goldenrod.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJf2qy0uID0LWRQrFm4OlARuxp1lYP5bC2qy-W5Kze39htWVI_Hpyoh02ZinEe-2vXI3lalv0XjzGWnTyG9lI_dFMdouP4eenbjK1MdwAPZ0v9o3PADaxY8LRxjfquwBkxByF1ytohrOj/w400-h266/Goldenrod.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;">The West Trail around the pond, Winter:<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ_GKOWFeaOOzJcvlLLYOJo7r3_vJXFpAxej-j2eySA1BDBeNQJyqnkZdyS1Oi4fqkqllkyyexHBBaqYDT1wjBYvN-Mie4vB8oVsZJwmlWet8sq4WyD6FGTmUB34SNHG_sonr5W3QHyeg/s2048/T29A7142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ_GKOWFeaOOzJcvlLLYOJo7r3_vJXFpAxej-j2eySA1BDBeNQJyqnkZdyS1Oi4fqkqllkyyexHBBaqYDT1wjBYvN-Mie4vB8oVsZJwmlWet8sq4WyD6FGTmUB34SNHG_sonr5W3QHyeg/w400-h266/T29A7142.JPG" width="400" /> </a></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;">The same West Trail, this past August / September:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PVEM_3Q4wwnd3SBr8UorFNUWMw-tpCLw3w0OPJKj_H_8MFUOQX4J-JuQnpFDsH_h_HjNx2lyZhjabZYN7eSfXb3HAF01lmYRoSR-zHdqanAehjRKCEHTM98ViWDiJn6hOeBt8c43K4FN/s2048/T29A6618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PVEM_3Q4wwnd3SBr8UorFNUWMw-tpCLw3w0OPJKj_H_8MFUOQX4J-JuQnpFDsH_h_HjNx2lyZhjabZYN7eSfXb3HAF01lmYRoSR-zHdqanAehjRKCEHTM98ViWDiJn6hOeBt8c43K4FN/w400-h266/T29A6618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Part of the prairie, Winter:<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-PL6RJkOCmqpo_3DSI_VtwNHyj42pNmR7chOeYrt8Vt5xkUgbWO1mWb3fvu48Axyr3OCfM_VQVUJ0Kz09wZyQgRwX5a0_lQatlx_5ryxNj4J3Jr2G28A8Zn8tNqrNt2zmGmPsXSW84y8/s2048/T29A7148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-PL6RJkOCmqpo_3DSI_VtwNHyj42pNmR7chOeYrt8Vt5xkUgbWO1mWb3fvu48Axyr3OCfM_VQVUJ0Kz09wZyQgRwX5a0_lQatlx_5ryxNj4J3Jr2G28A8Zn8tNqrNt2zmGmPsXSW84y8/w400-h266/T29A7148.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /></div>The same part of the prairie was rioting this summer in June & July with coneflowers, prairie blazing start, Wild quinine, compass plant, etc.:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZDVtslqu13ZiWvruv-tHqGybJaRgwKjta5a1MIAmvOw8e4yF4d2yHwWOnK5F-yDJjxujnCOfnNC4maxJGOmeG0TEIDb4XK7TC3mxbDBloQ4RdRFiexdx51ZdhT-YIoGJ4G2eX9Vmkf-r/s2048/wildflars.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZDVtslqu13ZiWvruv-tHqGybJaRgwKjta5a1MIAmvOw8e4yF4d2yHwWOnK5F-yDJjxujnCOfnNC4maxJGOmeG0TEIDb4XK7TC3mxbDBloQ4RdRFiexdx51ZdhT-YIoGJ4G2eX9Vmkf-r/w400-h266/wildflars.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>To some, this winter perspective may look like quite the dreary landscape. But for me, this landscape it quite exciting and holds a lot of secrets that will be revealed in the spring. </p><p>Rest & renew, Dear Prairie. Bob and I have been busy this winter, so make sure you say, "Hello" to your new neighbors this Spring and let them know how much you love your happy home here on Gobbler's Knob.<br /> </p><p></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-28589099609644950372020-12-17T13:45:00.001-08:002020-12-17T13:46:29.615-08:00Another Vision Becomes Reality<p></p><p></p><p>The *NEW* newest, savanna extension is almost ready for planting. For years, every time Bob and I walked past this grove of trees, we had the inevitable discussion; 'we should clear this area out and plant something better in there'. But we just never got around to it. This year, we have been on a tear around Gobbler's Knob. Maybe it's because I haven't had to travel this year...or maybe it's because we want to focus on something else besides all the recent bullshit over which we have no control, outside our digs here on Gobbler's Knob. </p><p>So, I donned my bib overalls, my favorite 14-year old Wolverine boots, charged up my chainsaw battery (what Bob calls, his "best purchase ever"!), and dove in to clearing out the non-beneficial and establishing the beneficial.<br /></p><p></p><p>My little battery-powered chainsaw came in very handy to help defeat all the cedar trees. Bob took on the bigger persimmon sprouts, large limbs that were hanging too low and other hardwoods that needed to be thinned out. There are 6 large dogwood trees in here that we saved. We found the oldest multi-flora rose in the middle of it all that we've ever found here. It was so old & woody that we had to use a chainsaw on it.</p><p>It used to hurt my heart when we cleared areas like this, but after seeing how much more the wildlife uses these restored areas after we plant it, and how much better the uncrowded trees perform, I'm a believer. Have I mentioned how much I hate cedar trees? Ha! We did leave a row of them on the north side of this clearing - for many reasons.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Before the clearing (facing north)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUrE4q_f_CZFkyMEZ7__Ekwhyphenhyphen40MR2s7FLoVoj2coh_4tSUUGeJmd5O9RetyualVmNLuf9N3RfysdAQ0XTZ32edLwn_w4RCapA8olZ5l10dM5s0D0h7c4M6WNzmitWY8bS_4kVcJh_A8X/s1865/New+Savanna_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1865" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUrE4q_f_CZFkyMEZ7__Ekwhyphenhyphen40MR2s7FLoVoj2coh_4tSUUGeJmd5O9RetyualVmNLuf9N3RfysdAQ0XTZ32edLwn_w4RCapA8olZ5l10dM5s0D0h7c4M6WNzmitWY8bS_4kVcJh_A8X/w640-h290/New+Savanna_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">After the clearing (facing north). After some dragging around to fill in holes, this will be filled with River Oats & Wild hydrangea!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5oZVi5PdVVDNfhqeXWXpEGqsTzgOusBT2JBWpeXHvFyB-QB_ts__tikawA9vZKrtgbvmZLBKVlkra_gWruhkM-pzHa7yYc5f6cn8yRHs92rrpYgjbj_c3nBgR45bannPm-XiOkeTqAVk/s2048/T29A7089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5oZVi5PdVVDNfhqeXWXpEGqsTzgOusBT2JBWpeXHvFyB-QB_ts__tikawA9vZKrtgbvmZLBKVlkra_gWruhkM-pzHa7yYc5f6cn8yRHs92rrpYgjbj_c3nBgR45bannPm-XiOkeTqAVk/w640-h426/T29A7089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> Before the clearing (from the Viburnum / black haw grove side)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMFPy-LVML29FvfZIMiZLydS4iPeEyfmgHQh4djnBvoD07H-TkPdPaNsEYIz_cYwdPcnrIvGq9CU8v6xams-JCC5H_Gm8S-NXfsPCNTYEc4300970VcLZeFA3HxyvKHGn-JVlflETBg9w/s1017/New+Savanna_2+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1017" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMFPy-LVML29FvfZIMiZLydS4iPeEyfmgHQh4djnBvoD07H-TkPdPaNsEYIz_cYwdPcnrIvGq9CU8v6xams-JCC5H_Gm8S-NXfsPCNTYEc4300970VcLZeFA3HxyvKHGn-JVlflETBg9w/w640-h453/New+Savanna_2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">After the clearing (from the Viburnum / black haw grove side). The spread of the Viburnum was a little stalled on the north side due to all the rogue cedar trees in its way. Can't wait until it wakes up this spring - I'm expecting to hear, "YEEHAWWWW"!</div><div style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;">(to avoid damaging any viburnum, I just crawled in and cut that cedar tree off to stop its growth and didn't drag it out). It cracks Bob up when I do stupid things like that, but I know he really appreciates me doing it, so he doesn't have to. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY8KzgncCxxX1sX-s3p-o1QN8S3ju5LHACbErZ1CFYDs8yL0pudfQMTtE0OhYXLc81LWgrcm369HzbidZrk7_OCrf_ny5dTIdrCjoM8m8elXIuCejSbHuRS8nir2qrOvw61WXsBFT3SzY/s2048/T29A7092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY8KzgncCxxX1sX-s3p-o1QN8S3ju5LHACbErZ1CFYDs8yL0pudfQMTtE0OhYXLc81LWgrcm369HzbidZrk7_OCrf_ny5dTIdrCjoM8m8elXIuCejSbHuRS8nir2qrOvw61WXsBFT3SzY/w640-h426/T29A7092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is the new wildlife brush pile made with all the cedars and sprouts that came out of the area. My little chainsaw has earned a couple of days off. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-TlwHqo1KutrcX7wUjGCGJAv5fbj31MGvi91sg_MalYophJtoTbJsx52remc3utD9b8TElwzhzXtvy2pA-so1oT0ddnVGbuWhrrQie88SWePsVYZwCULQkg58c1_tuqrRL_v0zLpeMc4/s2048/T29A7095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-TlwHqo1KutrcX7wUjGCGJAv5fbj31MGvi91sg_MalYophJtoTbJsx52remc3utD9b8TElwzhzXtvy2pA-so1oT0ddnVGbuWhrrQie88SWePsVYZwCULQkg58c1_tuqrRL_v0zLpeMc4/w640-h426/T29A7095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The first 10 of the 30 Wild Hydrangeas that we purchased are in their permanent spots! I learned today that about 10 per day is all I'm going to be able to plant in this accursed Missouri soil. As I was bent over the last plant to mulch it, a Sharpie flew through the trees chasing a small woodpecker. I told Bob I think I recognized the 'beeping' the woodpecker was doing as it rushed into the nearby brush pile. HA!<br /></p><p><span> </span>Sleep well, my beauties! (The tall Indian Grass in the background provides a lot of cover for the deer, quail and our resident coyote that hang out on the Northern Range of Gobbler's Knob)<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLNzYgI5unjEycevd6Osq4QY_JKbig3Bz_5542SbQXzQaT-1Xq7x9EA5jPqQ3k_HuqHkhWw0BPZYUVqvkIBauaJ-4HZISWH0zaet-Ya2C1TPELtFa6pxZX-SOM3TpjzbsG7KtVLQsX4PR/s2048/T29A7088+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLNzYgI5unjEycevd6Osq4QY_JKbig3Bz_5542SbQXzQaT-1Xq7x9EA5jPqQ3k_HuqHkhWw0BPZYUVqvkIBauaJ-4HZISWH0zaet-Ya2C1TPELtFa6pxZX-SOM3TpjzbsG7KtVLQsX4PR/w640-h426/T29A7088+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-67900423024481796882020-12-05T14:23:00.002-08:002020-12-05T14:25:19.305-08:00Gobbler's Knob: Our Very Grateful Beneficiaries<p style="text-align: center;"><i>“If you are not filled with overflowing love, compassion and goodwill
for all creatures living wild in nature, You will never know true
happiness.”
<br /> ―
<span class="authorOrTitle">
Paul Oxton</span></i> <br /></p><p>I get great satisfaction from watching all the critters in the Fall as they zip around the fields and forest to gather seeds from all the native wildflower & grass plantings we've done here on Gobbler's Knob. Everyone's so eager to fatten up and/or gather their stores that they (mostly) ignore me as I run around with my video camera, excitedly documenting The Gatherers. </p><p>Gazillions of seeds are consumed and gathered so quickly that I must sprint from plant to plant with scissors and a bucket if I expect to harvest any to spread in other areas during the winter. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW8RDacRXnVSbVOfpyI_tKpBjqw4CsTrLFpsYjcA2Hb2niL1Rpc56Z9icqc6C7s4jlEnas19kQjMh5cSl8zTrHS-hxga4zVsJDmph15jupVObiMURWdzc6CloUPLPmQbQAoKWn871yr-q/s2048/T29A6909.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW8RDacRXnVSbVOfpyI_tKpBjqw4CsTrLFpsYjcA2Hb2niL1Rpc56Z9icqc6C7s4jlEnas19kQjMh5cSl8zTrHS-hxga4zVsJDmph15jupVObiMURWdzc6CloUPLPmQbQAoKWn871yr-q/w400-h266/T29A6909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The goldfinches are absolute Jedi masters at extracting coneflower seeds from these prickly heads. If I didn't collect seeds each year and spread them on the ground myself, the coneflower plants would not spread very much since the goldfinches only leave one or two seeds on each head. </p><p>I have managed to collect enough seeds this time that I have a nice jar filled with them (more in my next post about native wildflower plantings).<br /></p><p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3Cr4PnPcfamlUG3-AG8IAVgbGgkU2QMdYqNjRrjRI4YxsPZT3ip3hl1d6Z_pbgP6Wuy-LdXFE20lwAeQNAtg8K3286LwuKV-3FPiW93HDrGiFQLAZDTZ0OSMgIWGJblQWX_JwQ2mARY3/s2048/T29A6908.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3Cr4PnPcfamlUG3-AG8IAVgbGgkU2QMdYqNjRrjRI4YxsPZT3ip3hl1d6Z_pbgP6Wuy-LdXFE20lwAeQNAtg8K3286LwuKV-3FPiW93HDrGiFQLAZDTZ0OSMgIWGJblQWX_JwQ2mARY3/w266-h400/T29A6908.JPG" width="266" /></a></p><br />On the other hand, some of The Gatherers do leave some 'deposits' here too - some adventurous bird found some Rough Blazing Star seeds (<span>Liatris aspera) </span>and planted them in my field in the last couple of years. After removing the seeds from this stem I was so impressed with how pretty the base of the flowers were - resembling flowers themselves that I kept them. This is definitely one native wildflower that I want to see more of!<br /><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p>The Goldfinches also seem to know just the right time to raid the New England Asters. When I'm harvesting these seeds, I take the seed heads from every other plant, leaving plenty for the Goldfinches, since they treat the NE Asters like they're cake.</p><p>This year, the winter flock of goldfinches only leave the NE Asters momentarily, when I open the front door. See the video below.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XKuC8DrMolQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="XKuC8DrMolQ"></iframe></div><p></p><p>After removing over 70 feral cats from our property over the last 13 years, at long last, we have finally spotted a new resident here. We named him Charlie and he's a hoot. He now resides in the ravine / plum orchard area and we think he may be dating a female we just found in the North woods. <br /></p><p>Meet Charlie the Chipmunk</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FTO_mp5DzRo" width="320" youtube-src-id="FTO_mp5DzRo"></iframe></div><p></p><p></p><p>Bob's covey of quail have been more visible lately too as they wander near the house, looking for food. Earlier this year there were 24 in one covey. Not sure if they split up or some have been lost to predators, but we counted 14 in this covey when it wandered across the yard last week. It's a wonder that these birds aren't extinct as they do not seem to be very smart and are not very predator-savvy. There was a Red Tail hawk stalking & hunting the field about 100 yards south of where they emerged here in my backyard. I've actually had them walk down the driveway in front of me - out in the wide open gravel, just toodling along as if not a care in the world. Silly birds. </p><p>This particular covey appears to have a special taste for Dallas grass seeds. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OMJZN45VBMA" width="320" youtube-src-id="OMJZN45VBMA"></iframe></div><p>Speaking of Red Tail hawks, it appears that this one was going after some kind of prey and found itself so hung up in my neighbor's barbed wire fence that it could not free itself. I almost didn't post this video, because it is heart breaking for me to film it, render it, upload it to YouTube, then put it in this post which results in me having to watch it over & over again. But, if it helps to inform people to at least be on the lookout for such events and potentially save a hawk or owl, then it is worth it to share it. </p><p>I understand the need for this fencing - in this case, to keep the neighbor's cattle from tromping around my native prairie, but I wish the strands were more bird-friendly. It was a very sad sight and my heart sank to see this beautiful bird and realize it had died here - probably a slow death from starvation. If there's any good news to this story, it's that this is the only hawk I've seen entangled on this fence since we moved here in 2007. The bad news is there are a lot more Red Tails hunting here than I've ever seen before. I'm not sure whether I should leave it there - to let the predators have it / or pull it off and bury it. Knowing it is there beside the trail now makes my heart break over & over as I pass it by.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PcQNj-hLAN8" width="320" youtube-src-id="PcQNj-hLAN8"></iframe></div><p>On to the living. Another grateful beneficiary of all the prey here is a Barred Owl that seems to appear here very late in the Fall, sometimes sometimes staying through winter. The first time we noticed this Barred owl was in 2018, when we saw her perched on a nestbox pole, then got a closeup when Nikki flushed her out of the underbrush one day. (see story here: <a href="https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2018/02/all-hail-predators-of-winter.html">https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2018/02/all-hail-predators-of-winter.html</a>). </p><p>Yesterday, as Bob and I walked our trail we heard the crows harassing the owl. They were loud & persistent and as we watched, they flushed the barred owl out of hiding and down the ravine, where there are lots of Eastern red cedar trees where she can hide. We traipsed back & forth with my video camera trying to get a glimpse and after 15 minutes, I finally spotted the poor, harassed bird trying to hide. I laughed when I was able to better view this video on my computer - my view finder was blurry, but I didn't dare take the camera off the owl to try to refocus the screen so I could see better. The owl seemed more concerned about Bob and I than she did the 15 or so crows that were harassing her. If we ever want to know where the owls are hanging out during the day, we only need go outside & listen for a moment. <br /></p><p>Watch "The Chase" in the video below (ignore the date stamp on the first part of video - it was from the GoPro - and we haven't fixed it yet).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6JMlZ_QzuLQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="6JMlZ_QzuLQ"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /> <br /></p><p></p>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-12272935996205365762020-11-14T10:33:00.000-08:002020-11-14T10:33:02.813-08:00Living the Quarantine Life on Gobbler's Knob<p>With the final mass gourd cleanup completed and 2 coats of <a href="http://customlevercovers.com/pig-snot-16-oz-biker-wax/">Pig Snot</a> (my favorite car / motorcycle wax) applied to my predator baffles (which makes them super-slick!), I can now say that the Purple Martin Season of 2020 is officially closed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X6eoXHxpTsm3QoTkN-CKCsVtIMvxlp6ZdAiLUhyAjlhka207CnnjWodHcvj38FojmPxDTv2aZqpDGKUHwNha3u8N4vQAfMsc49-VYW2zCY7ssdaGqwHR_B8nWmivgtX1v20s8mBW6K_7/s2048/T29A4954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X6eoXHxpTsm3QoTkN-CKCsVtIMvxlp6ZdAiLUhyAjlhka207CnnjWodHcvj38FojmPxDTv2aZqpDGKUHwNha3u8N4vQAfMsc49-VYW2zCY7ssdaGqwHR_B8nWmivgtX1v20s8mBW6K_7/w400-h266/T29A4954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had a great Purple Martin year - 80 pair with over 305 young fledged. This year, everything seemed to get started about 2-3 weeks later than usual. On average in past years, we would normally only have 2-3 pair still trying to fledge their young around the first or second week of August. This year however, I still had around 25 pair up until August 18th. A very late season. </p><p>We had 4 confirmed kills by the Great Horned Owl - a 75% decrease over the last 6 years and that is definitely something I can live with. Last Fall, we opened up the <a href="https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2019/11/tell-it-to-trees.html" target="_blank">East field even more by cutting down a few Eastern red cedar trees</a>, and it worked - the hawk attacks were also greatly reduced. I was so relieved this year to have fewer successful attacks. While the trees were well over 150' away from the colony, in the prior years, the speedy little Sharpie and the Cooper's hawks had learned to use the trees for cover on their approach to the colony. <br /></p><p>With a lot less stress this year from hawks & owls, it was much more fun to watch the martins fledge their young - they haven't a clue about Covid-19 and what the world is suffering through right now. But they do have their own worries - owls, hawks, bug supply, and climate change, just to name a few.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GVSxmF5VnME" width="320" youtube-src-id="GVSxmF5VnME"></iframe></div>Bob and I notice that when my purple martins are here, along with the nesting bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, tufted titmice and others, we hardly ever see any bugs flying through the yard. The birds seem to keep the population of flying insects very controlled.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p>It is only after the nesting season ends and the purple martins have left for Brazil that I start to see more bugs around my yard again. Thousands of dragonflies appear, the Pennsylvania Leatherwings cover the Bidens and multiple wasp species descend on the Goldenrod. </p><p>Check out the video below, taken A view into some of the September & October bugs:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xN6SkaRufdc" width="320" youtube-src-id="xN6SkaRufdc"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After all the other native wildflowers have gone to seed, the New England Asters, goldenrod (did you know that <a href="https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/goldenrods" target="_blank">Missouri has over 23 species of goldenrod</a>?) and bidens bloom & continue to provide food for the bees:<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YZBWmmjIies" width="320" youtube-src-id="YZBWmmjIies"></iframe></div><p></p>And the fields light up with a sea of yellow and purple flowers. Yes, life is good here on Gobbler's Knob.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB7tepneK1PQQM9WZ8fuxIW_r_d4I4crDcQBs0vTBsXIEBSMzYnLD9HV75NgLxdHeJWz6cmRKJJZuoO0Ix_zXwrJZKSi9h0aiV2wBxlkBpsKaVNCB5i0fTu3PDuaiUTUuzDiZ_KFOE69W/s2048/T29A4674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB7tepneK1PQQM9WZ8fuxIW_r_d4I4crDcQBs0vTBsXIEBSMzYnLD9HV75NgLxdHeJWz6cmRKJJZuoO0Ix_zXwrJZKSi9h0aiV2wBxlkBpsKaVNCB5i0fTu3PDuaiUTUuzDiZ_KFOE69W/w640-h426/T29A4674.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennsylvania Leatherwings on Missouri Bidens<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoxf-NmoruZwyliuwhUsd24srp0YS2wPCpd0hAvEZWo2GIyurTHd3KFU0G94Egr3wULqjk4dn-y7HkKcbnM5xspnrhRyF9Z2OX62jrIjkvXyvscEeHYNK8FH306zbnabeoGYtTB9xH0yL/s2048/BumbleBee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoxf-NmoruZwyliuwhUsd24srp0YS2wPCpd0hAvEZWo2GIyurTHd3KFU0G94Egr3wULqjk4dn-y7HkKcbnM5xspnrhRyF9Z2OX62jrIjkvXyvscEeHYNK8FH306zbnabeoGYtTB9xH0yL/w640-h426/BumbleBee.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumblebee with filled pollen basket on Goldenrod<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpNxFONbLDIEn9AuqLV9yGfP_yVwigUCEEE3PXgor9oUWq9vv13bQ3tuODHgbg3fRZywm2ArNLMhpuiBQOFsoTkwOJdybgZTshDBmdYwpilfaqjgyIHkds0H_4x2a7q7H_Rc61sgdycCe/s2048/Wasp_Party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpNxFONbLDIEn9AuqLV9yGfP_yVwigUCEEE3PXgor9oUWq9vv13bQ3tuODHgbg3fRZywm2ArNLMhpuiBQOFsoTkwOJdybgZTshDBmdYwpilfaqjgyIHkds0H_4x2a7q7H_Rc61sgdycCe/w640-h426/Wasp_Party.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wasp party on Goldenrod<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYehX-nJ4rLWJfwdwYnQuTT_ka5F4XzDGXA6WQcPlZwE4dPp42kRnrR79S31WfsWyJS-mWk8Pmf1HlTktAj0S5DamYuuy43yCG3iQJw1lkCIxzhZnsHBr1ZBEhybP0K-cwwhajQLDMGtoR/s2048/T29A6658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYehX-nJ4rLWJfwdwYnQuTT_ka5F4XzDGXA6WQcPlZwE4dPp42kRnrR79S31WfsWyJS-mWk8Pmf1HlTktAj0S5DamYuuy43yCG3iQJw1lkCIxzhZnsHBr1ZBEhybP0K-cwwhajQLDMGtoR/w640-h426/T29A6658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0OcKmY8mHDnc2uO9vJ8kbBdicWdbZREipFccdoDCXZcLua2sLIhn4WxmpX-egdUy6d5wtz6QajrBGJ18VbrhQGoEZQxXJsQoj2GFilwif4xCFsHT7MGlugHPpk-2KQvlvKGcmDq918OB/s2048/T29A6727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0OcKmY8mHDnc2uO9vJ8kbBdicWdbZREipFccdoDCXZcLua2sLIhn4WxmpX-egdUy6d5wtz6QajrBGJ18VbrhQGoEZQxXJsQoj2GFilwif4xCFsHT7MGlugHPpk-2KQvlvKGcmDq918OB/w640-h426/T29A6727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bidens, Indian grass, Goldenrod and Pickerel weed provide cover and food for insects, quail and all the other wildlife that choose to live on Gobbler's Knob.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-25989874473656922762020-07-24T10:30:00.001-07:002020-07-24T10:30:18.870-07:00Purple Martins: Winnowing-Natural and Unnatural<br />
This Guest post was written by my good friend in Corpus Christi, Mr.
John Barrow - purple martin landlord expert and all-around good-guy-extraordinaire. Thanks for sharing, John!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u><b>Winnowing Definition</b></u>: (referring to a group of things, people, animals) <i>to reduce something's size by separating the ones that are
useful or relevant from the ones that are not.</i> </blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have been
contemplating the effects of the post-fledge natural winnowing process on a
colony this season and, I am becoming convinced that a great deal (or majority)
of hatch year (HY) loss occurs in the week or two after fledging occurs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
my colony we had moderate drought in 2008, severe drought in 2009, and a banner
year in 2010. In 2008 we had numerous jumpers--at one point we were rehabbing a
dozen nestlings. In 2009, we had severe brood reduction due to weather related
events--nearly all in the nature of fewer eggs produced; many that were not incubated.
I recall we had only one jumper, but had 62 nest starts from 45 pairs. This
year (2010) we had laying and incubation of large clutches of eggs, with only
one jumper that was returned to fledge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhgTPy0F4Q3trE2tZ_BVCN-HVNCt7unFPr5_Wt7u5QAR3ivW0k14bFofOSX6WutSe4akVN2DNBtvNvVzLAUoOfDsnJLtVHe9ow588SUrJEW48ls6DbOcsZLrkokway9PfBTJ_9nnWcX3l/s1600/4_fledgetree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhgTPy0F4Q3trE2tZ_BVCN-HVNCt7unFPr5_Wt7u5QAR3ivW0k14bFofOSX6WutSe4akVN2DNBtvNvVzLAUoOfDsnJLtVHe9ow588SUrJEW48ls6DbOcsZLrkokway9PfBTJ_9nnWcX3l/s400/4_fledgetree.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fledging
each year, occurred in most cases over several days. That scenario, which is
probably typical, results in separation of the family unit as adults take their
new fledges to a presumably safe location and, starting individually, teach
them to find and catch food. Prior to fledging adults have already reduced
feeding of nestlings to encourage fledging, and as the post-fledging training
occurs, those left in the nest lose weight, often to critical levels. This is
what, in most instances absent mites, etc., I believe, causes jumpers. Not an
easy problem to deal with. You can stuff the jumper with food and stick it back
in the compartment you believe it belongs in. But that doesn't increase the feeding
by its parents. These late fledges are really in a battle against time to get
out of the nest, fly capably, and remain with their family group, in order to
survive.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o7IwY89yPPhpFvu5zs1dn5O3MCPyDhsJWJhw0m30WBdXhxVQFnm6OW-0fUZXtiM8bNOmAFr_7cnlZRoRTjssfENXwmbapDchaXRC4aPDttamCbPVfYF11MDKxawtpeKY0MPbxts8LrWG/s1600/7_fledgetree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o7IwY89yPPhpFvu5zs1dn5O3MCPyDhsJWJhw0m30WBdXhxVQFnm6OW-0fUZXtiM8bNOmAFr_7cnlZRoRTjssfENXwmbapDchaXRC4aPDttamCbPVfYF11MDKxawtpeKY0MPbxts8LrWG/s400/7_fledgetree.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Add
to this other typical behavior like the adults returning to the cavities with newly
fledged young--a form of post fledging memory stamping--and the ensuing
confusion as these newly fledged young are attacked, chased and threatened when
trying to reenter what is often someone else's turf, you almost certainly have
more family unit separation and confusion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
has been little study done of the effects of this post fledge winnowing period,
and I suspect study would be difficult and for the most part subjective. But it
is something I have been reflecting on. Did my adult pairs of martins that
fledged 3 young/per pair in 2009, and were probably better equipped to train
that lesser number and keep the family unit intact, have a substantially lesser
effect on the overall population, then those pairs in 2010 that fledged 6 or 7
per nest; but, that had more difficulty in training the individual fledges,
locating and preserving a safe and secure locale for staging that provided
a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reliable food source; and finally, in
keeping the entire family unit intact for the requisite training period to allow
the young to become independent? I think there are signals that the overall
population fluctuation of a certain area in a good year, may not be
significantly different than in a marginal year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
does it matter? Assuming there are substantial losses during this post fledging
period, what can be done to reduce it? Winnowing in this light is defined as
reducing the number of birds in a species until only the best ones are left. It
is natural selection at its purest. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8PJr3q1dJjB_wIJHUTakH9hEyVJI4Q7L6brLAXcv4l40Fs_f9n6mjK7o0PHesycgEDkYDDrLRUaONKVknqmdtNx88ie4vddI134Ln5osGPKpl9qjNhR_5o0qCA6QnRvK-KC1ilHhTK7N/s1600/9_fledgingT29A2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8PJr3q1dJjB_wIJHUTakH9hEyVJI4Q7L6brLAXcv4l40Fs_f9n6mjK7o0PHesycgEDkYDDrLRUaONKVknqmdtNx88ie4vddI134Ln5osGPKpl9qjNhR_5o0qCA6QnRvK-KC1ilHhTK7N/s400/9_fledgingT29A2074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
is not maintaining a colony so large that it becomes a magnet for predators,
not only endangering adults during the nesting process, but more so, becoming
an attack zone for recently fledged hatch year birds whose survival is
dependent on their having a safe and secure training area to learn basic
survival skills as part of a family unit. It is not offering housing that
serves to maximize the confusion of family units returning to housing as part
of post fledging memory stamping at the colony, be it housing that is too
closely configured, or stacked row on top of row; it is not building a colony
of the size or in an area beyond the capacity of the immediate food supply.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-82730151084863589592020-05-16T20:17:00.001-07:002020-05-16T20:23:01.977-07:00Won't You Be My NeighborToday was one of those days where it seemed like all the stars aligned and all the forces in the universe came together to make everything just perfect with hardly any effort at all. As David Gray, put it in the song, <a href="https://youtu.be/ANzKrSuUblc" target="_blank"><i><span id="goog_468680982"></span>Babylon</i></a>, "Saturday I'm running wild, and all the lights are changin' red to green.<span id="goog_468680983"></span>" That was my day. <br />
My purple martins have had a rough week - the rain and cold weather have not been optimal for them to find insects. Along with all the sub-adult arrivals the last few days, the adult males have also had to fight off the teenagers trying to run-away with their females. But, we made it through the worst of the weather, only losing 1 adult male. Today they woke up to a warm, foggy, misty morning and somehow they knew it was going to be a good day to find insects, so while waiting for the weather to clear, they hung out on the racks getting acquainted with some of their new neighbors.<br />
So far, we've had 9 peaceful nights with no Great Horned Owl appearances. We're not missing her at all and today I celebrated our brief reprieve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQy0OQsRoHZx7-8LqtLFRgy5XRNO3lOhktFqPGwPz1ZWCSM4DpS_DghqbuyYWgq3CN_a6yDZ-K9RvWjFM_ij4mRRkJXdwgEnsoWCUiUGzWbMxpgFkkQJlhyphenhyphengiRgs2d8vE-0TWT5jV41tI/s1600/T29A6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQy0OQsRoHZx7-8LqtLFRgy5XRNO3lOhktFqPGwPz1ZWCSM4DpS_DghqbuyYWgq3CN_a6yDZ-K9RvWjFM_ij4mRRkJXdwgEnsoWCUiUGzWbMxpgFkkQJlhyphenhyphengiRgs2d8vE-0TWT5jV41tI/s400/T29A6333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf4IEaNcX5hhkF-mVrRVTQSQmiPMLlUowcgTToHfa1OgGLGroIIDhPI6B5u7bm4qZwAaCgn5BZ-AAWeP7p793f7B4OfxYnWNGFhP5FSIXYe9hh_qmAh7Akm6opBR2mFQRjgFjUYPrpgPm/s1600/T29A6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf4IEaNcX5hhkF-mVrRVTQSQmiPMLlUowcgTToHfa1OgGLGroIIDhPI6B5u7bm4qZwAaCgn5BZ-AAWeP7p793f7B4OfxYnWNGFhP5FSIXYe9hh_qmAh7Akm6opBR2mFQRjgFjUYPrpgPm/s400/T29A6334.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGfZ2OEgNGMrouzYLTak0_GQeAasf0iDVYnOYKIFLGja8go0Gz5ObozIvLKDOpjGJLylK31yMV16h39gFSY-PPzlOXEt_Wu9cipLYthDDD9suU5iYZtK_vYba8_Hm4_EmNrSo3iDOFgc9/s1600/T29A6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGfZ2OEgNGMrouzYLTak0_GQeAasf0iDVYnOYKIFLGja8go0Gz5ObozIvLKDOpjGJLylK31yMV16h39gFSY-PPzlOXEt_Wu9cipLYthDDD9suU5iYZtK_vYba8_Hm4_EmNrSo3iDOFgc9/s400/T29A6336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
While it was warm out, I decided to check on the honeybee swarm that I captured 7 days ago. To my surprise, they had already built comb in about 1/3rd of each of 8 frames. All that work completed in only 7 days. Filled with nectar and pollen, I was mesmerized with the beautiful white comb and the perfect hexagon shapes. I could watch the building of the combs all day long. I've been pretty happy to find this swam seems to be reasonably gentle so far - they're turning out to be good neighbors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBwFq9RKb41bGbGexLsXcD63fDcjTKuLhMp3fAYXNQ9aiddZzug41qe-nDinwEkjyQQvHFbBYk1ML6t2JRx27NrsA2gwGl5bU3BrHGeAgKqQ4tQsW9S0ncQg2dfSsczJWo91Mb3herXp4/s1600/New+bee+comb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1271" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBwFq9RKb41bGbGexLsXcD63fDcjTKuLhMp3fAYXNQ9aiddZzug41qe-nDinwEkjyQQvHFbBYk1ML6t2JRx27NrsA2gwGl5bU3BrHGeAgKqQ4tQsW9S0ncQg2dfSsczJWo91Mb3herXp4/s400/New+bee+comb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
With all the rain we've had, I was thrilled when I noticed all the new milkweed in the bed where we had kept the potted milkweed plants a couple of years ago before moving them out into the fields. Over 50 new common milkweed plants have sprouted from the broken rhizomes when we pulled the pots out, a few asters and 8 new butterfly milkweeds. Unexpected neighbors, shouldering their way through the mulch and reaching for the hidden sun today. I learned a couple of years ago that common milkweed really likes moist areas and butterfly milkweed prefers dry feet, so if it keeps raining, I'm not sure the butterfly weed will make it here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r_B7zQ4qtZqyzhwbnLba-6ul-5mnlo3Fp_UaRGY3nFrLzKEuSQfDGXF_La0qR_qOl7pLgaMrQMf5-WWh9L_2faRM2AOdHPIior2MJQO7aSu-ZBiedaMft3-jfhAjxuU5BPHIMteRgZ3B/s1600/Milkweed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r_B7zQ4qtZqyzhwbnLba-6ul-5mnlo3Fp_UaRGY3nFrLzKEuSQfDGXF_La0qR_qOl7pLgaMrQMf5-WWh9L_2faRM2AOdHPIior2MJQO7aSu-ZBiedaMft3-jfhAjxuU5BPHIMteRgZ3B/s400/Milkweed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>But the best surprise of the day</b></i> came when I noticed a female bluebird going into a nestbox that has been paired with a tree swallow box for the last 2 years and never had any occupants. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLipoVfNkqmVzQC2jo0cHviTL2FowsM2oHP9plYvqh7HfhUZjCTGRb5t59Y2hUAmkcR4SrWX5vpguXvbqqrZ3zGM8qyeOY4RbCivfpwoSazmkW-fS3DXI2WUY1S1oElTkonee0AOeUsrL/s1600/T29A6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLipoVfNkqmVzQC2jo0cHviTL2FowsM2oHP9plYvqh7HfhUZjCTGRb5t59Y2hUAmkcR4SrWX5vpguXvbqqrZ3zGM8qyeOY4RbCivfpwoSazmkW-fS3DXI2WUY1S1oElTkonee0AOeUsrL/s400/T29A6332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I currently have 14 nestboxes for other birds here as well - some of which I've setup with the slotted entrances so the tree swallows can enter them, but the slot keeps the English House sparrow out. Unfortunately, it also keeps the bluebirds out, so I have round hole boxes for them set around the property as well.<br />
When I discovered in Jan. 2018 that this Barred Owl was using this bluebird box on my trail as a lunch & go, I decided to move the box to the field, away from the forest and pair it up with a tree swallow box. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpw2Z8moU7IgvWJKJfPJ0709_raJqlGNShkDe-VecWmZWZXZqKm5_sH5Mpik8vZgPpb7pEKbMFU5O6oEFQorzaVRUjeieQfPs6zhrufA4mL7-DajLLK2nmOjM8xO2JyBLS15NcXmGBPtU/s1600/BarredOwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="857" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpw2Z8moU7IgvWJKJfPJ0709_raJqlGNShkDe-VecWmZWZXZqKm5_sH5Mpik8vZgPpb7pEKbMFU5O6oEFQorzaVRUjeieQfPs6zhrufA4mL7-DajLLK2nmOjM8xO2JyBLS15NcXmGBPtU/s400/BarredOwl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I had heard it would work but wasn't confident of that, since I had witnessed the ferocious battles between the tree swallows and bluebirds in my yard before.<br />
But today, on my perfect day, guess what I found? The tree swallows had 4 little white eggs in their own little nestbox, reserved special just for them and a bluebird pair had moved into the paired nestbox that faces the opposite way and they have 5 eggs. Finally, after 2 years!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXJ-VpihWUik9RSB7quGO6GKu_SKcx47HN1TLGot9ecK13cDYG0lzUbnjzbGscR7dQePSJIO3pru45W6LMeJP5v6-4CsxkutK4RSLxnAWOwseWyZAJf90RNarelZUXpeerq_6g3S_Vaee/s1600/Bluebird_Eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXJ-VpihWUik9RSB7quGO6GKu_SKcx47HN1TLGot9ecK13cDYG0lzUbnjzbGscR7dQePSJIO3pru45W6LMeJP5v6-4CsxkutK4RSLxnAWOwseWyZAJf90RNarelZUXpeerq_6g3S_Vaee/s320/Bluebird_Eggs.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEqrlaAAQyb6B7OP6UGstUZJdlnR3xRKj7ZH9qBTu86OyAc727yvkEJreS8r767QYUaDBmgzii5xcV2Vh47oedeTTIfiBMx-UEtjznJ7acWlWm_9F5d049eD-vExczoXFvrAsw_OlqPXg/s1600/Tres_BB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEqrlaAAQyb6B7OP6UGstUZJdlnR3xRKj7ZH9qBTu86OyAc727yvkEJreS8r767QYUaDBmgzii5xcV2Vh47oedeTTIfiBMx-UEtjznJ7acWlWm_9F5d049eD-vExczoXFvrAsw_OlqPXg/s320/Tres_BB.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
What were the odds that everything would come together in such perfect harmony today?<br />
I'm sure we'll eventually see my GHO, we'll have to deal with the evil little flies that kill monarch caterpillars, we'll have to keep watch for varroa mites and English House sparrows. <br />
But today, there was peace & harmony on Gobbler's Knob. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-23062734326627812462020-04-22T14:14:00.002-07:002021-06-06T06:56:35.060-07:00Predator Guards: A Story of Love and Betrayal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Per the PMCA, <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/13-1-poleguards-410.pdf" target="_blank">pole-mounted predator guards are an important part of being a conscientious and successful landlord</a>, yet at the beginning of each Purple Martin season, as sure as the sun rises
in the East and sets in the West, the inevitable debates regarding
whether landlords should use predator guards or not begin on the multiple
online forums. Yet, I
have never met a purple martin landlord that wanted to set up purple
martin housing so they could offer 'free food' to a raccoon or a snake.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1221" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDz8bIamzjkcy6PoY-HfWZ1Ualp8JvxzrE52GYb9VpXP_hDf_6NEOnBqchod7RFCZ9G6YtTX3djoJQNr2Xk42p8shhs_gl2wEpHlTD4rb8enqdhtFV6EqesEv-hwRhPLFGJMC86HX4jSY/s400/snake.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot taken from video by Dan Pancamo (Full video linked below). The bulge in the snake's head is from the first 8-day old nestling he just consumed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So many Purple Martins are lost each year to snake and raccoon attacks. It makes me sad every season to read about the losses - sad for the landlords who worked so hard to attract them, sad for the purple martins who died needlessly, and even more sad for the loss of what could have been a productive site contributing to the overall population and well-being of the species. We need MORE purple landlords hosting these magnificent birds - but not just throwing up a pole and a house / gourds and ignoring it, because, that's where the predators will take advantage. What we need are MORE purple landlords that know how to make their sites safe AND productive - the very pleasant side effect of that is the landlord has an even more enjoyable season. <br />
<br />
After all, who wants to pull a snake out of their purple martin housing, or clean up the blood & mess after a raccoon attack? That's not 'enjoyable' to me. Who wants the stress of not knowing whether the surviving martins will return in the next season?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY62kkwnYxptz6kZhlCUr4Y-uQuVXxqAtKBcEjg7e4iVuFTNVQdzObueiczm84GJzzRI81JksGB-9ktsfxIknhanMm27j9-d29ECe5Ln-iXInubVd1fb1DST5lob-CCHDmsjjvrati5ST/s400/P1010036_1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A landlord removed the predator guards for one night and found this snake in the cavity the next morning - full of 3 nestlings. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Many experienced landlords are well aware that after a predator attack, the surviving martins may never return - in fact, many sites remain empty for years afterward. People don't go out and buy chickens & ducks and then not protect them from the resident coyotes, raccoons & owls, so why are our purple martins - a resource that is so much more precious - treated as expendable?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4HxenNam0USVnODaNkQXTYdSANZ6aSnhs86aZrsJh5D8ssq0vtc9FtMNNPXFGwoMUgTL-Wcs6OnUNh-Pmv-msbt_6GMhC3H_R8hrMcCZi0qLBXdwPNlXtLt1cJqqavUIpAMnzxQh_8vI/s400/P1010035_1.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fourth nestling was found on the porch and had been squeezed to death by the same snake in the picture above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The impact of a predator attack is well documented by the PMCA and by landlords who have experienced the regrettable losses firsthand - they will be the first people to tell you - "Don't let it happen to you". Check out the link below to see what is the number ONE reason for why people lose their martins.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>See the PMCA page</b>: <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/top12-258.pdf"><b>Twelve Reasons Why People Lose Their Purple Martins</b></a></blockquote>
By the time the martins get here, they have already had to deal with a
multitude of obstacles and aerial predators. The PMCA estimates 50-60%
of purple martins are lost during migration both to and from Brazil.
With such challenges and losses already, it becomes even more critical
to protect them when they get here. I am a firm believer that we should NOT create a free 'all-you-can-eat
buffet' for <u>any</u> predator by giving them free reign and unhindered access
to our nesting sites. <br />
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 526.602px; top: 1032.36px; transform: scaleX(1.04653);"></span><br />
<h3>
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 526.602px; top: 1032.36px; transform: scaleX(1.04653);"><u>The Basics- Recommended Predator Guards</u> (<a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/">from the PMCA</a>): </span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Pole Guards</b>—Also called predator baffles, pole
guards are cylindrical or conical in shape and help prevent raccoons or
snakes from climbing up the pole. No matter if your pole is 12 or 20 ft
tall, round or square, metal or wood, it can easily be climbed by
snakes or raccoons. Pole guards are commercially available (PMCA recommends a quick release pole guard for ease of use) or you can make
your own. Per the PMCA, <b><a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/274-predationinfogra-808.pdf">they should be installed at least 4 ft above the ground (higher if possible), 8 inches in diameter, and 2 ft long</a>.</b> </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeCV_zfcdJl_ybsuUuHzeaR9vmKIzZN9C7zEV8l7LzW_n6zJCEF7mjX-zx9DIVS_LGpaLBHNztClrt2hKCSWmxt6W1HYSKYlAdX34Yr6IS11P0bf46uG-izbJawM7LtZvguGq02v2ynsA/s1600/Snake_bullets.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeCV_zfcdJl_ybsuUuHzeaR9vmKIzZN9C7zEV8l7LzW_n6zJCEF7mjX-zx9DIVS_LGpaLBHNztClrt2hKCSWmxt6W1HYSKYlAdX34Yr6IS11P0bf46uG-izbJawM7LtZvguGq02v2ynsA/s320/Snake_bullets.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<b>Netting</b>—For those in areas with large snakes 1/2 - 3/4" bird netting can be used as a secondary line of defense.
Netting should be placed above the predator baffle in puffy layers,
ensuring there is no space for the snake to climb between the netting
and pole, or over the netting. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Electric Fence Guards</b> - If you have an electrical outlet nearby, or can connect to a fence charger, this is a great way to protect your poles from any climbing critters. The only drawback to this method is, unless you have your fencing also plugged into a backup power source, then a power outage would leave your poles open to a predator attack. Even a fence charger can fail though, so backup guards are still needed, in form of baffle and netting.</blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
<u><b>Predator Baffle w/ Netting - Materials & Mounting</b></u><b>:</b></h3>
The combination of a cylinder / pole guard with the netting mounted
above the guard will predator-proof your poles and protect your nesting
martins.<br />
You can purchase a 'quick release' predator baffle here: <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/shop/">https://www.purplemartin.org/shop/</a> <br />
<br />
...or you can make your own. Here's a link on how to make your own predator baffle / cylinder guard: <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/8-2-predatorbaffles-496.pdf">https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/8-2-predatorbaffles-496.pdf</a><br />
**Note: A good coat of Carnuba car wax helps prevent your metal baffle from weathering and helps keep it smooth & slick so a predator cannot grasp it and bypass it. <br />
<i><b>(See the bottom of this post for my DIY ideas for predator baffles).</b></i> <br />
<h3>
</h3>
For mounting my netting above my predator baffle, I use the following materials. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA9h8AiDOBo-3hkEFGBrgyc1DcDP-4zkO_w1zdfzsZqi3rxVG7_QKJAau8YX6sbAoqtNHCcrpDwqOrYG3aZVDoD0PZdm0qhnCOMMIVV-eLn8sdBSOj9HB7DQtW70ynsDxvdZ3ghy-q-ep/s1600/Netting_1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA9h8AiDOBo-3hkEFGBrgyc1DcDP-4zkO_w1zdfzsZqi3rxVG7_QKJAau8YX6sbAoqtNHCcrpDwqOrYG3aZVDoD0PZdm0qhnCOMMIVV-eLn8sdBSOj9HB7DQtW70ynsDxvdZ3ghy-q-ep/s400/Netting_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'frame' to hold the netting - a piece of fencing - cut so that there are 'arms (wires)' to support the netting and hold it out<br />
approx. 8" from the pole. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The top of my predator baffle is mounted up as high as I can comfortably reach. I then set the netting frame on top of the baffle and zip tie it together around the post. I can then just cut the zip ties and lower the system for nest checks later, then re-secure the frame with new zip ties. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTTWqbMKLRTiums-a7m8ykP9Kive6zxSoNSRHKrvE02h6GbqZ1UBD3Vsqeys5lf7a7pdwTDs4OPLnvFzDgq5G1TgDtsUQx5BBRaLyy5FvS5DNRsB-cwZEuSkT-EBDdCUZ8VzVcxNlhNwG/s1600/Netting_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTTWqbMKLRTiums-a7m8ykP9Kive6zxSoNSRHKrvE02h6GbqZ1UBD3Vsqeys5lf7a7pdwTDs4OPLnvFzDgq5G1TgDtsUQx5BBRaLyy5FvS5DNRsB-cwZEuSkT-EBDdCUZ8VzVcxNlhNwG/s400/Netting_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The netting is approx 3/4" (you can use both 1/2" or 3/4") mesh layered & 'poofed' out and hooked on the wire frame hooks. The netting is available at Lowe's, Walmart, etc. Here's a direct link if you want to order from Walmart: <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Easy-Gardener-604-7-x-20-Bird-X-Protective-Netting-For-Fruits-Vege/21945377">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Easy-Gardener-604-7-x-20-Bird-X-Protective-Netting-For-Fruits-Vege/21945377</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY7if4Bea2Uc4RqOtvF4YX1pXC1boocWUgGYRc29avoBOPlg2Kfl0XMSBTlhc_jGNzK48E_g83WouJGOuJB6wYJ7GHf7RwEBaWkjjKbZf74KcmbAML68DSvqmSS-XMLxXNimt7xITtGf8/s1600/Netting_3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY7if4Bea2Uc4RqOtvF4YX1pXC1boocWUgGYRc29avoBOPlg2Kfl0XMSBTlhc_jGNzK48E_g83WouJGOuJB6wYJ7GHf7RwEBaWkjjKbZf74KcmbAML68DSvqmSS-XMLxXNimt7xITtGf8/s400/Netting_3.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<br />
<u><b>Electric Fence Guards</b></u><b>: </b>Some landlords prefer this method and if you know anything about electricity, then this is the absolute best way to go. You'll want something insulating your pole to ensure your pole itself is not electrified. The landlord below uses a four-foot tall piece of PVC pipe around his pole, then wraps that with approximately 24" tall hardware cloth. The hardware cloth is then attached to the 'live' wire. The few inches open at the bottom are left in case a bird comes in contact with the pole, he / she won't be electrocuted. <u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mabyo8-K4p8R2NKviZyZh-10QDTxXnWl-eYIE95osN9oVPDuVrYw_RMl9xmd1sBkCIENvIjyOD3PvlH0OBP1QZ1VqsOFjY4X6zadj2cyNB1UnP1KtegD5i6Y4-Y_UyBTJbEUTt_2r-U-/s1600/Malcolm_fencecharge_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="406" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mabyo8-K4p8R2NKviZyZh-10QDTxXnWl-eYIE95osN9oVPDuVrYw_RMl9xmd1sBkCIENvIjyOD3PvlH0OBP1QZ1VqsOFjY4X6zadj2cyNB1UnP1KtegD5i6Y4-Y_UyBTJbEUTt_2r-U-/s400/Malcolm_fencecharge_1.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by Malcolm Stephens, an experienced landlord who takes the protection of his very large purple martin colony very seriously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can either purchase a solar-powered fence charger or buy one such as the one below and enclose it in a weather-proof container.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttGLzZGQQ6pXiObvI-y5QwNmNDkahHPPsb9Dd5_vUNT8ofjdmSOCxrTgjC4q_u7jTvtRn0ZJrj6d843IVgg7vvECTdJzKJJDP4KiBnsqZgG08eWX-0rAizPJvNEWkF1ool76JadhRUgYL/s1600/Malcolm_fencecharge_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="408" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttGLzZGQQ6pXiObvI-y5QwNmNDkahHPPsb9Dd5_vUNT8ofjdmSOCxrTgjC4q_u7jTvtRn0ZJrj6d843IVgg7vvECTdJzKJJDP4KiBnsqZgG08eWX-0rAizPJvNEWkF1ool76JadhRUgYL/s400/Malcolm_fencecharge_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by Malcolm Stephens, an experienced landlord who takes the protection of his very large purple martin colony very seriously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am not an expert in this area, so if you'd like to try this method,
you can either: Login to either of the most popular Facebook Purple
Martin Forums (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/purplemartinfanatics" target="">Purple Martin </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/purplemartinfanatics">Fanatics</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Prognesubis/" target="_blank">Purple Martin Conservation Association</a>) and ask for assistance with setting this up, or if you don't have Facebook, send me an email at <a href="mailto:purplemartin@centurytel.net">purplemartin@centurytel.net</a> and I will put you in contact with an expert who can advise you.<br />
<h3>
<u>Snakes - Large & Small</u> </h3>
<br />
Friends have shared their pictures with me of successful 'captures' of the snakes that never made it into their housing: <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4br_u_H9tTx2GXXB3cQeBtGh0h7zB80K1bHmqyBllHX15ZjKTJmf5pvpgmOHHkL6pw6JyhaiijevrEYp34ZQI-HKTck62w9PfDNKpC7FWWT7vPXKMszBGiM12l7-aNt8Y_eQMCZQQLmg/s400/Louise_Snake_Pic_2.jpg" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake ID: Texas Rat Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To remove any captured snake, hold the snake by the head
while wearing heavy gloves and use scissors to cut the netting away from
the body. <b>Snakes should be removed unharmed and released a few miles
away from the colony.</b> Netting does not prevent raccoons from climbing
the pole and should always be used along with a baffle. Netting is a
trap, rather than a guard and like all traps it needs to be closely
monitored to ensure that any species caught by the trap are removed and
released unharmed. **PLEASE NOTE: we should value our native predators and NOT kill them - they serve a purpose in our environment.</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8F3LRdcxDFd_BYpPXUVhnLhTQrW6T29s2siBBniVVavGd2G2H-GHMScbn7REiwKNzj4U95V6aVf1jRFbc-Isj_1Q7-triSU_0FOaUp0eaMVHicprS8oMoYdnjQElK-_t9MBg91moUyi2/s400/Louise_Snake_Pic_3.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake ID: Texas Rat Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Don't let anyone tell you a snake cannot climb a pole - there are multiple recorded events showing they really can.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0hAdaX4tTmqQqb728VCWKQuFVYi0do2ffSzyrYMl4uIrgYJRxxBuiHFruwgfV9BHz7CBILoVto6cD9ZsJhFAFmHQzqu-2Y0IMoey0Ls-lwEVHyNtExaBesfhekuehHsSGMVF-BaL4ZZv/s1600/G_Ballard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0hAdaX4tTmqQqb728VCWKQuFVYi0do2ffSzyrYMl4uIrgYJRxxBuiHFruwgfV9BHz7CBILoVto6cD9ZsJhFAFmHQzqu-2Y0IMoey0Ls-lwEVHyNtExaBesfhekuehHsSGMVF-BaL4ZZv/s400/G_Ballard.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by Greg Ballard - a southern purple martin landlord, where the rat snakes are HUGE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Purple martins are at their most vulnerable when sleeping inside their nest cavities at night and have very little chance of escaping if a wily racoon or a snake comes calling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRRHa54uLHXtIt7v3R0rC4qf5-JKWu9sfMrwTcactxNqn8HWGJQhgiXi8I4YPNG9pY8SbOfnuwrA8hs2eHnludXbGQwUcZe0Nl_rEI_od9e6wqH43eAyu135qZHBUzQroaPBKIeLtajGX/s1600/Snake_bullets_2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="384" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRRHa54uLHXtIt7v3R0rC4qf5-JKWu9sfMrwTcactxNqn8HWGJQhgiXi8I4YPNG9pY8SbOfnuwrA8hs2eHnludXbGQwUcZe0Nl_rEI_od9e6wqH43eAyu135qZHBUzQroaPBKIeLtajGX/s320/Snake_bullets_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1127.36px; transform: scaleX(0.952098);"> <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/">From the PMCA</a>: Once a snake </span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1146.36px; transform: scaleX(0.982791);">has digested its meal and left, there are no signs that a preda</span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);">tor has visited a site, other than missing eggs and birds.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);"> The next video is hard to watch (spoiler alert - the female, thankfully, escapes). But, I can't imagine putting my purple martins through this kind of terror. (<i>Video credit: Dan Pancamo)</i> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BYQL7RrI0-s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BYQL7RrI0-s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);">A landlord removed his predator guard for only ONE NIGHT. The snake in the picture below took advantage and wiped out all 4 nestlings </span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);"><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);">overnight </span>by eating 3 of them and the 4th was found dead on the house porch. How would you like to open a nest compartment and see THAT staring you in the face?</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICZW4CBZbVRiMJsrGXTTrugw6k42WX59IdW2xJ7BPv7f2bKKLabrUOEdvqaYFC7wuTFdesO9r_WNw09TxzuVs_b5GIQJxJ-S4YrzR-my0Xjg1zhH7HHdwb5KN_sfNAxCZupkObwWsqTPi/s1600/P1010034_1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICZW4CBZbVRiMJsrGXTTrugw6k42WX59IdW2xJ7BPv7f2bKKLabrUOEdvqaYFC7wuTFdesO9r_WNw09TxzuVs_b5GIQJxJ-S4YrzR-my0Xjg1zhH7HHdwb5KN_sfNAxCZupkObwWsqTPi/s400/P1010034_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake ID: Texas Rat Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtOcvwok4THV2-zvMeBQ4HYFCuBpY_fwOw1fwur-P3Sz2YYwh-OnVVtXFbA3y5kPGa6lQJjVf1rk8LkSrWTKhFGwqts9E9XcQoAw8RpidVaJRaF2-L-dIGwAJCEWOBOZw-P33zPv4dQ5z/s1600/Resampled_2013-06-30_09-40-22_399.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="579" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtOcvwok4THV2-zvMeBQ4HYFCuBpY_fwOw1fwur-P3Sz2YYwh-OnVVtXFbA3y5kPGa6lQJjVf1rk8LkSrWTKhFGwqts9E9XcQoAw8RpidVaJRaF2-L-dIGwAJCEWOBOZw-P33zPv4dQ5z/s400/Resampled_2013-06-30_09-40-22_399.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake ID: Black Rat Snake (Missouri)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A new landlord here in Missouri added the netting to her pole right after her first 2 purple martins arrived at her colony. She really didn't think anything would go after only 2 birds, but a few days after mounting the netting, she caught this snake before it destroyed what would have been her first and only pair of nesting purple martins. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<u><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);"><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 94.3992px; top: 1184.36px; transform: scaleX(1.00071);">The "Other" Ground Predator - Raccoons</span></span></u></h3>
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);"><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 94.3992px; top: 1184.36px; transform: scaleX(1.00071);"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd"><b>Raccoons</b> can be found
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjWqOeXuuvoAhVUCM0KHUbBD9oQFjAEegQIDRAH&url=https%3A%2F%2Fanimals.mom.me%2Fcontinents-raccoons-live-11229.html&usg=AOvVaw2EPfuRSPdTCaDXPn5Zv4Hs">natively throughout most of the US and Canada</a>, as well as in parts of
Latin America, from Mexico extending down to the northernmost regions of
South America. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);"><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 94.3992px; top: 1184.36px; transform: scaleX(1.00071);">Rac</span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1203.36px; transform: scaleX(0.987251);">coons are agile climbers, handling both wood and metal poles</span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1222.36px; transform: scaleX(1.02288);"> easily. Signs of a raccoon attack are finding severed martin</span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1241.36px; transform: scaleX(1.05056);"> wings on the ground, blood, fur and feathers on the martin </span></span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1165.36px; transform: scaleX(1.01046);"><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 66.2px; top: 1241.36px; transform: scaleX(1.05056);"><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 683.998px; top: 328.963px; transform: scaleX(1.04251);">housing and ground, and claw marks </span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 683.998px; top: 347.963px; transform: scaleX(1.02193);">on wooden poles. Nesting material may</span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 683.998px; top: 366.963px; transform: scaleX(0.979228);">be hanging from entrance holes and</span><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 683.998px; top: 385.963px; transform: scaleX(0.993775);"> doors may be pulled off. </span></span> </span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixut4L-UneRI3npOqZjL39QgV2h0-_XLdT0p4SFNxkiMqRpOEB-s7sGr5VzMvjG0lVrV_rnLpSpVtkaSOet2ui7D2chDqWgOT_Stgok3CrzGFTKvccGane9olERWnKby7wpyZRxwR3mkv5/s1600/Kay_racoon_attack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixut4L-UneRI3npOqZjL39QgV2h0-_XLdT0p4SFNxkiMqRpOEB-s7sGr5VzMvjG0lVrV_rnLpSpVtkaSOet2ui7D2chDqWgOT_Stgok3CrzGFTKvccGane9olERWnKby7wpyZRxwR3mkv5/s400/Kay_racoon_attack.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A landlord reported that nesting material had been torn out of each nesting cavity on this Trendsetter house. The torn-off wings and feathers were left on top of the house - a classic indication of a raccoon attack.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzKZkOYJZtWpA0HfTwB6lEBVdYyVD6GwnhghiNrhlGAsxKCSoyZR3QiTBtap-fcctmgww_7uVIkte5NGXpMxExNX4E2TqKxUTJXIIvRNb5puMDQWb-YVxhXvKng6PDsL1axc-Pf-sHdOz/s1600/Kay_racoon_attack_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzKZkOYJZtWpA0HfTwB6lEBVdYyVD6GwnhghiNrhlGAsxKCSoyZR3QiTBtap-fcctmgww_7uVIkte5NGXpMxExNX4E2TqKxUTJXIIvRNb5puMDQWb-YVxhXvKng6PDsL1axc-Pf-sHdOz/s400/Kay_racoon_attack_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feathers and a bent owl guard were clear signs of a raccoon attack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face="sans-serif"><b><i>Landlord Testimonial (northern Missouri)</i></b>: We left for a 4-day weekend and when we returned all three of our gourd racks (72 gourds) were totally empty. It was only early June (too early for the martins to have left already), so we knew something was wrong. After talking with Kathy and then lowering the housing and viewing the ground below the racks, we discovered that a local raccoon family had likely raided our gourd racks over the weekend. It was a bloody slaughter - feathers and torn off wings on the ground beneath the racks. We had seen the family of 5 raccoons in our nearby woods, but w</span><span face="sans-serif"><span face="sans-serif">e did not have guards on our poles since</span> we had no idea they (raccoons) could climb the poles.</span> <i><br />**Note: It has been over 3 years since this attack, and no purple martins have returned to this site.</i> </blockquote>
<br />
<span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.8333px; left: 526.602px; top: 1032.36px; transform: scaleX(1.04653);">I always have at least 4 or 5 raccoons in a family here on Gobbler's Knob too. Last year, while monitoring my housing with a security camera to see what my resident Great Horned Owl was up to, I caught one of the raccoons on camera as he waddled across my yard and tested each guard to see if he could ascend and have a meal of purple martins. (He's hard to see, but click on the YouTube link after you hover over the video, then enlarge it - he enters from the left - watch for the movement).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tjeS-OZtpcM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tjeS-OZtpcM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
With a decline in the number of landlords across the country offering housing, it becomes imperative that we offer safe housing to the birds we host. And, for the new landlords that are attracted to this hobby, it's really the responsibility of the experienced landlords to teach and help them provide safe housing. Really. It's not that hard, and with all the experienced landlords on the various forums, help is at your fingertips.<br />
<br />
Our purple martins exhibit a lot of trust & faith in us by returning to our sites. It's up to us to not betray that trust by providing them with the needed protection.<br />
<br />
<i>A very special thanks to Louise Chambers for her most patient help with
editing and providing some very helpful guidance in writing this post.</i> <br />
<br />
For more help dealing with aerial predators, you can access this link on my blog:<br />
<a href="https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-fob-part-3.html">https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-fob-part-3.html</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>More links for DIY guards</b></u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.zbestvalue.com/baffle0001.pdf">https://www.zbestvalue.com/baffle0001.pdf</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.zbestvalue.com/baffleimprovements.htm">http://www.zbestvalue.com/baffleimprovements.htm</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-91786936147599352882020-03-09T15:09:00.001-07:002020-03-09T15:23:15.005-07:00Purple Martin Arrivals - 2020 Season Begins and Prenesting GourdsMy bluebirds are a bunch of Divas. For about 5 months of each year, they pretty much have this whole 23 acres, along with 14 nestboxes to themselves. But when the first Tree Swallows arrive in Spring, the bluebirds become a bunch of whiny babies and fly from nestbox-to-nestbox, trying to dominate each one and bully the Tree Swallows away from *their* site. <br />
My friend Jeff in Rogersville, Keith in Ava and myself always have a small competition going each year regarding who will get their martins back first. On Saturday, Feb. 29th, I had already rolled out 2 gourds since I just *KNEW* all three of us would be getting our martins back on the same day. It was a classic weather pattern for my arrivals - winds from the south and 60 degrees.<br />
When I searched the skies first thing in the morning, the first tell tale sign was a little teal-colored, "orca of the skies" zooming around my backyard. In years past, my tree swallows have always been the first to arrive here on Gobbler's Knob, usually followed closely by a purple martin...or three.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2WDMm2-dgzzPmuKDJ5r2dpx9L2GqoFoVe6u_lFZQA06PCfdnJcYOR_UOv6MQFncFQmQ7IlGNDwlwDdkX5cwty4PZgcM2nZmi4KfCKVH-MsyZ6xospp2CgdXDCfpGJwGm9rYhg5xLzzCz/s1600/TRES-arrival-2-29-2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1073" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2WDMm2-dgzzPmuKDJ5r2dpx9L2GqoFoVe6u_lFZQA06PCfdnJcYOR_UOv6MQFncFQmQ7IlGNDwlwDdkX5cwty4PZgcM2nZmi4KfCKVH-MsyZ6xospp2CgdXDCfpGJwGm9rYhg5xLzzCz/s400/TRES-arrival-2-29-2020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Several of us that host tree swallows along with purple martins have nicknamed them "Orcas of the Skies"; one obvious reason is their coloring, but the biggest reason is how ferocious and brave these little birds can be when a hawk enters their territory. They are fierce and are a great bird to host along with purple martins - all they need is a nest box - similar to a bluebird's nestbox.<br />
By Sunday, I still had no martins, so I checked the Purple Martin forum and found that Jeff and Keith BOTH had received several martins on Saturday already. I guess my purple martins are going to be slackers this year. Probably hanging out in Sikeston at Lambert's - "Home of the Throwed Roll", thinking they really meant, "Home of the Throwed Crickets".<br />
With the weather still looking warm for last week though, I decided to go ahead and put out a few more gourds.<br />
Since I get a lot of questions about pre-nesting gourds, I decided to make a short video to show how I do it. Please note - I use only gourds, but you can also pre-nest any housing that you provide.<br />
It not only helps keep the martins warm by providing some insulation when they arrive in early March, it also gives your gourds / housing a more "lived-in" look and will help attract new martins, since they are "secondary cavity-nesters". <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/purple-martins/history/59/tradition-shift/">Click here to read more about the tradition shift in their nesting habits.</a><br />
Pre-nesting also ensures there's enough nesting material in the bottom of your housing to prevent the birds from slipping around on the flooring as well as preventing 'splayed-leg' syndrome in the nestlings. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Materials to NOT use</b></u>:<br />
- Do NOT use cedar chips / shavings. While they are purported to repel insects, they also absorb a lot of water and a wet nest is just as deadly to nestlings as are too many mites, etc.<br />
- Do NOT use green grass - it has too much moisture in it and it will mold & rot in the nest.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Recommended Materials</b></u>:<br />
- Eastern White Pine needles - they 'shed' water and don't absorb it.<br />
- Corn fodder - some landlords that live near corn fields have reported their martins using this for their nesting materials. It also sheds water <br />
- Straw - use only dry straw <br />
<br />
Here's a video I made this past weekend, while waiting for my purple martin arrivals:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/arcnWpZhHnU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/arcnWpZhHnU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
An ASY male martin did arrive at my site on Saturday, March 7th. That purple dot right in the middle of the Mark Twain National Forest - that's me - in the picture below. You can report your arrivals too, to the Purple Martin Scout Arrival Study linked <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/research/8/scout-arrival-study/">here</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCpiO_Wcd955GyVp-CC9SuttUwQ1VuI-V8krMJbyFw8eag0ykZnq3RPV73O2uI-2qQC4OCYoVDMKippKfqhhZSrMFDq0nTZcUJSXiKCTLssQfWgQPV-ZrFO8lOtcXXBLd9onORR0yZeHh/s1600/scout+arrivals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1105" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCpiO_Wcd955GyVp-CC9SuttUwQ1VuI-V8krMJbyFw8eag0ykZnq3RPV73O2uI-2qQC4OCYoVDMKippKfqhhZSrMFDq0nTZcUJSXiKCTLssQfWgQPV-ZrFO8lOtcXXBLd9onORR0yZeHh/s400/scout+arrivals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Get ready - the purple martins are coming! If you're a new landlord this year, you still have about 4-6 weeks to get ready, so don't panic. Obviously, the sooner the better - you want to do it right the first time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-48633265590476053822020-02-25T09:39:00.003-08:002021-01-18T14:06:01.944-08:00For New Visitors to This SiteSince the Rural Missouri magazine article has been published, I'm creating this post with links to some of the articles I've written for new or hopeful purple martin landords.<br />
<br />
You may find these articles helpful:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Attraction Techniques for New Sites</span></i></span>: <a href="http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2014/03/attraction-techniques-for-new-sites.html">http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2014/03/attraction-techniques-for-new-sites.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Dealing with English House Sparrows and Starlings - Trapping & Shooting Techniques</span></i></span>: <span id="goog_2143065789"></span><a href="http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2015/02/trapping-and-shooting-strategies-for.html">http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2015/02/trapping-and-shooting-strategies-for.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">English House Sparrow Control Myths</span></i></span>: <a href="https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/22-3-housesparrowmyt-415.pdf">https://www.purplemartin.org/uploads/media/22-3-housesparrowmyt-415.pdf</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"> </a><span id="goog_2143065790"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Offering Calcium to Purple Martins and Other Birds:</span></i></span> <a href="http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-incredible-edible-egg-shell.html">http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-incredible-edible-egg-shell.html </a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Stopping Ground Predators from Killing Your Purple Martins</i></span></span>: <a href="http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2016/05/predators-are-on-prowl.html">https://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2020/04/predator-guards-story-of-love-and.html</a><br />
Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-88115921350743242202020-02-14T14:58:00.001-08:002020-02-14T15:40:41.320-08:00Feed the Bees: Because You Can Never Have Enough WildflowersLast November I shared some pictures of the area we were planning to convert to all native wildflowers & grasses (Link here: <a href="http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2019/11/tell-it-to-trees.html">http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2019/11/tell-it-to-trees.html</a>). Bob ran over this area several times with a disc to help kill the grass, but with our Yellowstone vacation and other activities, we weren't able to spread the seed during December or January as originally planned.<br />
Realizing we were running out of time, we started watching the weather at the beginning of this week, and finally decided that today - if the ground had frozen hard enough that we didn't sink up to our knees in mud - we would finally hand-spread it all. This area was just too small and cluttered with trees to try to use a seed drill.<br />
Yesterday, we found some vermiculite at Menards in Rolla, MO that was perfect to mix with all the seeds so that we could get a more even distribution when flinging the seed. An added benefit of adding that stuff - it also helps you see where you've already spread seed as you walk through the field.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtHOZdvUZDdwxIkgBLpTxiIEOTR3Gxvb0NZMj4QgrPEsuMc2IIS61B8syJy-NuZk_Cd5r45HSH6CCJCnWAEROaSR1HrpVK_42jC8uQd3IPke89lonD2aL3cwfIxFVuoWiNW_pOlSYpfs7/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtHOZdvUZDdwxIkgBLpTxiIEOTR3Gxvb0NZMj4QgrPEsuMc2IIS61B8syJy-NuZk_Cd5r45HSH6CCJCnWAEROaSR1HrpVK_42jC8uQd3IPke89lonD2aL3cwfIxFVuoWiNW_pOlSYpfs7/s400/IMG_1305.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vermiculite, ready to be mixed in with the seeds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over 6 pounds of seed to spread - and when you consider how small some of the seeds are, that's a lot of seed! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeUu8OKaNqozepImbgKkynBnL_OPdZ_xM2CdJtxZuXThA-a_HUqcwF_iEKAsSq9d2nEvQ4hh0rC91ep1_exKFFICyntvyojmDV0uK3ZsRe0FdmR2rMSQAK5on2tgDbLZv-6zRQZEKRW7o/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeUu8OKaNqozepImbgKkynBnL_OPdZ_xM2CdJtxZuXThA-a_HUqcwF_iEKAsSq9d2nEvQ4hh0rC91ep1_exKFFICyntvyojmDV0uK3ZsRe0FdmR2rMSQAK5on2tgDbLZv-6zRQZEKRW7o/s400/IMG_1306.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob 'flinging' seed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The freezing & thawing process, along with the snow, ice & rain over the next month will not only help stratify the seeds, but also naturally "plant" them, just as nature does it when left to Her own devices.<br />
One Bonus - with a resident Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl, there won't be a lot of mice trying to steal the seed. At least, there won't be a lot of mice that get away with it anyway in this wide-open area! HA!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0elBZJtc2CSXrAXXKdDarOr6_JYcbIdcveLHPe2M_jw7m-XHz7sZ3w6HPF3YTkblTaAE9SLoinCt6SgH_Q_GUB9uAvRakaN6C0-md3ukEe0vA9NxpWI5JhwRGiJcoetYYEMITpBtvW_R9/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0elBZJtc2CSXrAXXKdDarOr6_JYcbIdcveLHPe2M_jw7m-XHz7sZ3w6HPF3YTkblTaAE9SLoinCt6SgH_Q_GUB9uAvRakaN6C0-md3ukEe0vA9NxpWI5JhwRGiJcoetYYEMITpBtvW_R9/s640/IMG_1307.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of 1/2 of the field we planted. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-41698633536671892142019-11-12T15:31:00.003-08:002021-09-13T15:05:51.549-07:00Tell it to the Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
I often catch a lot of grief on the purple martin Facebook sites for my
suggestions to struggling landlords to cut down a single or even multiple
trees. Some "environmentalists" take my suggestions to cut down a
tree as 'flippant', cavalier and careless. Rest-assured, I do not take those suggestions
lightly - especially when it comes to my own property. It actually breaks my heart to
have to cut down a tree.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, we have lots of cedar trees - really old
cedar trees -- on our property that need to go (for a variety of reasons).
Regardless of the fact that I'm allergic to them, I've always admired their
beauty and resisted the urge to give the greenlight to Mr. Freeze to cut them
down. All this to say, the decision to take out these 2 cedar trees this past
weekend have been a subject of much emotional debate for about 5 years now.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS57btI5xd868NCiQCHdeP80zJj_5ubxgVRCOHSJ66YkH2Sd1VQzcL490uRr3zGuWRAaAL47a_FXnt7IdM5KIx37QCz9_OEF9QRumN689PPNpVUKE8WK9QByvZqBCRVoDFQlVlMdZpwebh/s1600/T29A4968.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS57btI5xd868NCiQCHdeP80zJj_5ubxgVRCOHSJ66YkH2Sd1VQzcL490uRr3zGuWRAaAL47a_FXnt7IdM5KIx37QCz9_OEF9QRumN689PPNpVUKE8WK9QByvZqBCRVoDFQlVlMdZpwebh/s400/T29A4968.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large cedar in the foreground and the 2 to the right in the background were targeted for eradication.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBzWCwTd1ZWb-KTuijE_BIq9z1jXpkge0V-9UdPTtIUYH-LSm_KrDFpCuvRLN7xGbfxwnC4l6xwWeNFzv0uFM3rlltT0U1ymYnr3GPQPRlAbrJ5i_n288oY4IkdTZRSR_APmua-r8f5dZ/s1600/SW_view.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBzWCwTd1ZWb-KTuijE_BIq9z1jXpkge0V-9UdPTtIUYH-LSm_KrDFpCuvRLN7xGbfxwnC4l6xwWeNFzv0uFM3rlltT0U1ymYnr3GPQPRlAbrJ5i_n288oY4IkdTZRSR_APmua-r8f5dZ/s400/SW_view.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The largest cedar on the left was consistently used by hawks to launch surprise attacks on my purple martin colony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Three trees were originally on the chopping block, but after taking down 2 of
them, my heart couldn't take anymore, so I asked my “Paul Bunyan” to stop and
we compromised with a very aggressive limb trimming for the third tree. For the
last few years a resident Sharpie and later a Cooper's hawk have both taken
advantage of the cover that these large cedars provided, and launched surprise
attacks on my colony. <br />
Eventually, maybe...some other day the third tree will go down too after I've had time to
heal and assess, but not today.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimUGXhWiPBrUNgsKpoAD5oXlIdf8MDFYvw2DpfHI67NLCJjr5vw96Kqw6yLAlotp5KHsB6nznAtcvaEgYmYFLRkHrt9fzZBUMWg_WGDMp9VfemR6g0vvfRbNFP4BK5VM6uqmyj7JPbCN9/s1600/Cedar_down.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimUGXhWiPBrUNgsKpoAD5oXlIdf8MDFYvw2DpfHI67NLCJjr5vw96Kqw6yLAlotp5KHsB6nznAtcvaEgYmYFLRkHrt9fzZBUMWg_WGDMp9VfemR6g0vvfRbNFP4BK5VM6uqmyj7JPbCN9/s400/Cedar_down.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar tree providing cover for the hawks is gone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib45YcoJ61Ems8mw48EhXKdQeZuApWWVDCFLfyLj5SGC6R4wx9Zy83kHj1fWFG3tEbDJ0hrxxkZhmOthrS_6Q4iVvGmNJ_cSo_-fSnp2VGQnsIYcBUTXEVAbTlmBTuA_Z7wSVdcexDyqBT/s1600/Cedar_down_2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib45YcoJ61Ems8mw48EhXKdQeZuApWWVDCFLfyLj5SGC6R4wx9Zy83kHj1fWFG3tEbDJ0hrxxkZhmOthrS_6Q4iVvGmNJ_cSo_-fSnp2VGQnsIYcBUTXEVAbTlmBTuA_Z7wSVdcexDyqBT/s400/Cedar_down_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the gourd racks - another 100' of visibility.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hawks' approach has been pushed back another 100 feet. She will now have to cross this clearing to attack and she will surely be spotted.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0ZT_YQYDJui1b6B1eCMSJ306O-_qTQtnRXeQ6DmNfwUSy523zt5LdvFyKGmQhPAeSH2hzT0GPyb5pEfSUokGcGV8F21VEgmKjgeBWJxWX6VrEiqfkHyj1IPU5LWNi7zMTZbfIyjvFKoy/s1600/Cedar_down_3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0ZT_YQYDJui1b6B1eCMSJ306O-_qTQtnRXeQ6DmNfwUSy523zt5LdvFyKGmQhPAeSH2hzT0GPyb5pEfSUokGcGV8F21VEgmKjgeBWJxWX6VrEiqfkHyj1IPU5LWNi7zMTZbfIyjvFKoy/s400/Cedar_down_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The far right cedar tree got a reprieve and only received an aggressive limb trimming.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a way to comfort myself after cutting a tree down, Bob and I either find
a ‘volunteer’ (a small tree sapling of a desirable variety) or plant more trees
in a better location than the one we removed.<br />
A lot of dire information about
climate change has been on the news lately, along with some very cost effective
measures to counter it – as in, plant a tree! I did some research this week and
it turns out that incidentally, Bob and I have been planting the *best* trees
that also help sequester the most carbon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Eastern white pine trees, sycamores, hickory trees, poplars, silver maples
and a few other species, according to this website (among many) that I’ve
read:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/which-trees-offset-global-warming-1204209">https://www.thoughtco.com/which-trees-offset-global-warming-1204209</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and:<br />
This site: <a href="https://www.americanarborists.net/tree-tips/2017/july/what-trees-are-best-suited-for-the-changing-clim/">https://www.americanarborists.net/tree-tips/2017/july/what-trees-are-best-suited-for-the-changing-clim/</a><br />
“Fast-growing trees with large crowns”, they say.<br />
Trees that are too crowded do not do well either - regardless of their
age. They won't spread their branches when a tree is overcrowding them,
therefore reducing the amount of leaves they grow. Cutting down their
neighbors and planting a replacement in another area will provide much
more benefit to the environment and the climate, than overcrowding your
stand. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMhs4Rz_SMcL1CT6aLcblYXDTCH9XtSvAafL7khZpMoxWLryaIGm2w9QOB2YI17ZejXf1buObX9IELHfvV2rEIF5pY3oO5754l0kKx4m0P1IJ00_kIMEHPStzYTbhSxEFhnbszdFqBifi/s1600/Cedar_down_4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMhs4Rz_SMcL1CT6aLcblYXDTCH9XtSvAafL7khZpMoxWLryaIGm2w9QOB2YI17ZejXf1buObX9IELHfvV2rEIF5pY3oO5754l0kKx4m0P1IJ00_kIMEHPStzYTbhSxEFhnbszdFqBifi/s400/Cedar_down_4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oaks to the south of the cedars provide mottled shade. Lower limbs are kept trimmed up high to encourage growth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But we have multiple goals here on Gobbler’s Knob and when multiple goals
can be accomplished with minimal effort, that’s even sweeter. We've been
planning for over 2 years to plant this area (ap<span style="font-family: inherit;">prox</span>. an acre) with native
wildflowers and grasses and I could hardly contain myself when I ordered my
seed from <a href="https://www.hamiltonnativeoutpost.com/">Hamilton Native Outpost</a> yesterday. We've killed the fescue growing here and Bob has been discing the ground over & over to ensure everything is dead.<br />
The <a href="https://www.hamiltonnativeoutpost.com/product_info.php?item_id=11">Shadows and Sunbeams</a> mix did so well in our western extended Savanna, that I'm ordering more of it for the large oak-shaded areas. And the oaks in the above pictures provide the perfect amount of shade for this mix. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Cdul2vZHzqUVaGrD2-p2_NmZXeO7RUi6ldrvMq_Dt5Jdk4kdpmjqm2betonyucbhYginK41xfcSh-R9WdUVtaaypZB7ErFIkmEZZqQmdpmbbZISCSD6u8jEwYVYS639WnDaHxN6lm3nM/s1600/T29A1894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Cdul2vZHzqUVaGrD2-p2_NmZXeO7RUi6ldrvMq_Dt5Jdk4kdpmjqm2betonyucbhYginK41xfcSh-R9WdUVtaaypZB7ErFIkmEZZqQmdpmbbZISCSD6u8jEwYVYS639WnDaHxN6lm3nM/s400/T29A1894.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shadows and Sunbeams mix in my 'eastern Savanna'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><p>
Some of the cedar trees we have removed have been replaced with much nicer trees. Swamp white oaks are one of our favorites.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QLkz7boOKUfDb5Ip_oU2tYXlRuv4ROM49IGsncZ-SE0roM-icTVjkHmFHypLaZIsFZ9EYS74Vxbr4pUGgrbt5YpYdslemjkVl3O4R5YvaixhtO3VfnpgVUNpQ_mnUzL4_XM7GCw1LdZQ/s2048/T29A8236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QLkz7boOKUfDb5Ip_oU2tYXlRuv4ROM49IGsncZ-SE0roM-icTVjkHmFHypLaZIsFZ9EYS74Vxbr4pUGgrbt5YpYdslemjkVl3O4R5YvaixhtO3VfnpgVUNpQ_mnUzL4_XM7GCw1LdZQ/w266-h400/T29A8236.JPG" width="266" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK19N77Zu3Z9wX2wut_KEcs3o4XGliLKa8MS94rQCXlEIT5aB0LqbpIj7rEyxgmcs6_Tqm0PcDWO78e9qS0gWlHTXlPlC7HXh_e9R5JhM6ymFNPeA5YgE029Ibl-N2iWszjNzFPHGGvUAt/s2048/T29A8235.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK19N77Zu3Z9wX2wut_KEcs3o4XGliLKa8MS94rQCXlEIT5aB0LqbpIj7rEyxgmcs6_Tqm0PcDWO78e9qS0gWlHTXlPlC7HXh_e9R5JhM6ymFNPeA5YgE029Ibl-N2iWszjNzFPHGGvUAt/w266-h400/T29A8235.JPG" width="266" /></a><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Swamp white oaks planted 8 or 9 years ago. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><p>
This hickory tree was a 'volunteer' and after much expert trimming by Mr. Freeze, it has now chosen a primary and is starting to grow rather quickly. It received a lower limb-trimming this past weekend to encourage more top-growth.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuNfEzWMvCjnXQRcQ5Y-P4vZtuVQ_tjHS2lVYykJNK8VDyZ77rZbgQB-4vhgtV3Kkvg-IRCEPM-0xEnHt4mmFO17rnwL1VxBij8s5skhaKgYJ6yNkj_S6_ZCU43PCfkeUTPR_6qNS3D5V/s2048/T29A8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuNfEzWMvCjnXQRcQ5Y-P4vZtuVQ_tjHS2lVYykJNK8VDyZ77rZbgQB-4vhgtV3Kkvg-IRCEPM-0xEnHt4mmFO17rnwL1VxBij8s5skhaKgYJ6yNkj_S6_ZCU43PCfkeUTPR_6qNS3D5V/w266-h400/T29A8233.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hickory Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>This plum grove (below) consists of over 40 trees. We planted them as small saplings that we purchased from the George White nursery in 2008. I remember crawling around on my knees to cut down the large ragweed that grew up around the small saplings, threatening to choke them out. Now, they're spreading and stronger than ever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ_iwle4gyENFyY6vCrz4idr0LrWsswL9hQBNUi09lz8w7StuxMnxC0Yfm6jJQgurB_1-YaoBTNw0FIZZNeYQ5rkiaN5qsChyJyNk6dr2wx5KbIILOi79cy9eFuHwIj7u-jH2EbTVVIEf/s1600/plum_cluster.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ_iwle4gyENFyY6vCrz4idr0LrWsswL9hQBNUi09lz8w7StuxMnxC0Yfm6jJQgurB_1-YaoBTNw0FIZZNeYQ5rkiaN5qsChyJyNk6dr2wx5KbIILOi79cy9eFuHwIj7u-jH2EbTVVIEf/s400/plum_cluster.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We planted 3 -"Mighty Moe" (poplar) trees in 2012. The purple martins love to use the new leaves out of the tops each year to line their nests. The purple martins stripping out the leaves are a large part of the reason the trees struggle to grow each year. Mr. Freeze walks by and (jokingly) tells them each year, "get outta my poplar trees, or I'm gonna get the shotgun". hehehe! They're not skeered. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk8AmD0ZPzDUb887cj_T8mI0HB-ndiUj7hUrPwRmNP848DDboXAYCnRoEuArEsIdNga5v1G90hygSI96ajuvdvJ4cxB-aJ2hAtZBXGQoTs_MwgF_yyMYySSKAvUs33GmweHvWsfToc5Bd/s1600/Poplar_MityMoe.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk8AmD0ZPzDUb887cj_T8mI0HB-ndiUj7hUrPwRmNP848DDboXAYCnRoEuArEsIdNga5v1G90hygSI96ajuvdvJ4cxB-aJ2hAtZBXGQoTs_MwgF_yyMYySSKAvUs33GmweHvWsfToc5Bd/s400/Poplar_MityMoe.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 large poplars. There were 3, but my neighbor got drunk one night and ran one of them over. The purple martins love to pick their new leaves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We planted this river birch (and several others around the property) around 2009 or so. We needed it mainly for shade, but I love the multi-colored trunk shavings that peel off the trunk. They are so beautiful. Now if the limbs would just quit drooping down! It really loves the water runoff from the house and is growing exponentially every year! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz9UeWjwHnwq1Wpe5P0_Cz9xt1XhRbfrHBtDH1xZHabd8z6AN0Au9Hq78TuOZgvHtO27iryz96S7jzyFy4ay3SYwUxBRbsYUSHpOUGmdvA3HNJL058IDfhGTzhlQq9cSCpPC-UQ7oL893/s1600/river_birch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz9UeWjwHnwq1Wpe5P0_Cz9xt1XhRbfrHBtDH1xZHabd8z6AN0Au9Hq78TuOZgvHtO27iryz96S7jzyFy4ay3SYwUxBRbsYUSHpOUGmdvA3HNJL058IDfhGTzhlQq9cSCpPC-UQ7oL893/s400/river_birch.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p>
This "Shingle Oak" was another volunteer. It has received some 'trimming love' from my expert arborist, Mr. Freeze.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9loSdPhFbVNPyON7kJypguVdwuAZDze1yOfury__UM7DU5-ylOt1n1Q4E4By4WeuagUwkg2OWHTc_XjsXFgguhjNkkQ4CmKJZV1B65N6ZPb8ftVJCwfYCkTztpyvWnw7nxx8D19ySpFwe/s2048/T29A8242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9loSdPhFbVNPyON7kJypguVdwuAZDze1yOfury__UM7DU5-ylOt1n1Q4E4By4WeuagUwkg2OWHTc_XjsXFgguhjNkkQ4CmKJZV1B65N6ZPb8ftVJCwfYCkTztpyvWnw7nxx8D19ySpFwe/w266-h400/T29A8242.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shingle Oak (also known as "Water Oak")<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p>
Another Swamp White Oak -obviously, the ground is not as favorable for this tree as in other spots, but eventually, it will be a beautiful tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHZbEK7GC6XVh_tmlUYwr_iCCc6EWdvdY_Lin6VznbRYodYOLhuvF6WUeS7OolOM8k-IoshcLPe5CsGve_Vc1yqJ2qypvF0vvXmLIaybLwOlP6z7ntbrk2Y3cqTmgQX-oL31vDrhNqh7x/s2048/T29A8244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHZbEK7GC6XVh_tmlUYwr_iCCc6EWdvdY_Lin6VznbRYodYOLhuvF6WUeS7OolOM8k-IoshcLPe5CsGve_Vc1yqJ2qypvF0vvXmLIaybLwOlP6z7ntbrk2Y3cqTmgQX-oL31vDrhNqh7x/w266-h400/T29A8244.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>One of my favorite Swamp White Oaks that we planted along our driveway. Mr. Freeze gives it a lot of love.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCzZWAajmNPmqdDjou_FLHm65FxJbCT08NQyjZYJ6CvfdOd0I1xtC4BLdblu7t34eUxMqcmqh7ge6bbFkATFulLJK85vMXlIUhFk1xNi-hyuSFzutdu45Mujy9jsRtlart1QmurBBQuaj/s2048/T29A8243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCzZWAajmNPmqdDjou_FLHm65FxJbCT08NQyjZYJ6CvfdOd0I1xtC4BLdblu7t34eUxMqcmqh7ge6bbFkATFulLJK85vMXlIUhFk1xNi-hyuSFzutdu45Mujy9jsRtlart1QmurBBQuaj/w266-h400/T29A8243.JPG" width="266" /></a></div></div><p>
This picture and the second sycamore tree below are my favorite trees. They were both 'volunteers' and have grown so fast that I'm afraid to get caught up in their vortex each time I walk by. During late summer, it is such a hoot to stand under them and listen to the cicadas 'singing'. And they drop so many seeds. I have 3 of them now.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMVvTcno0qfIZ1wkSA7Zc3eTwKz0zvJx214hMNAI0a1y0cs4JOJIR-7ccgTa4ul-FnOQefFOQccgnIdVJ1iESF-wGC4FimOx3OUba91O6RCKoNhbmdoqhSi6U1IXzDhAqTSYlh_yL3qE3/s2048/T29A8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMVvTcno0qfIZ1wkSA7Zc3eTwKz0zvJx214hMNAI0a1y0cs4JOJIR-7ccgTa4ul-FnOQefFOQccgnIdVJ1iESF-wGC4FimOx3OUba91O6RCKoNhbmdoqhSi6U1IXzDhAqTSYlh_yL3qE3/w266-h400/T29A8238.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sycamore #1 - approx. 14 years old<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuq3eQeI2xOe8DOg6DIr-S8xNYDrjWSzbxq80DnEHvqyYb5VcdS47qrNjWv5zEa8aNIoZm2rsllbWgHajpyC17U4gccLL1Wtxtpic-tRFBFYpm7uDJj50fdGwr9aQcLj0R7AXZBT9JVXp/s2048/T29A8241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuq3eQeI2xOe8DOg6DIr-S8xNYDrjWSzbxq80DnEHvqyYb5VcdS47qrNjWv5zEa8aNIoZm2rsllbWgHajpyC17U4gccLL1Wtxtpic-tRFBFYpm7uDJj50fdGwr9aQcLj0R7AXZBT9JVXp/w266-h400/T29A8241.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sycamore #2 - approx. 14 years old<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />These Eastern white pine trees were planted in April, 2010.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMhQ-DMjlFTvXPE9UxMHLYKle5cZ5IzwrZ39IOpNkj6OaZ3aUMlhX3PB9Vq9SmuM1wxH3YOuRziIthyrHOgJ4CbDVzs9m7p4L8BqbrY1PVEZdCnjVUMOgHbXFwP83sKXbRbdx3WTjZ9k7/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMhQ-DMjlFTvXPE9UxMHLYKle5cZ5IzwrZ39IOpNkj6OaZ3aUMlhX3PB9Vq9SmuM1wxH3YOuRziIthyrHOgJ4CbDVzs9m7p4L8BqbrY1PVEZdCnjVUMOgHbXFwP83sKXbRbdx3WTjZ9k7/s400/IMG_2720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>
Check them out now. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5ntnqqvp_-Ph3-6NqEbR0G9JZcoWQuZHHTNkDg9KnvuvA76Xl1qWnT1BD6qbdj-QNFBmixm2JTkDLu0y7dyYCT4YZNVYbDUAWU3qgs9sUWEEn6PbJh4HZey2-bp798j49Nq2Sj4O4C2J/s2048/T29A8248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5ntnqqvp_-Ph3-6NqEbR0G9JZcoWQuZHHTNkDg9KnvuvA76Xl1qWnT1BD6qbdj-QNFBmixm2JTkDLu0y7dyYCT4YZNVYbDUAWU3qgs9sUWEEn6PbJh4HZey2-bp798j49Nq2Sj4O4C2J/w400-h266/T29A8248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> We planted more of them at the end of our driveway.<br />
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfTDpfpWpGGDURgXmc9Ko7OjCIy_RsEEwEFNZcc2z0ws88b-P_v3TgtqZa8pl2lDSZg8jw_5muFJvva7Tk9WrMr-Fjg907RBFKhBD4v3x_2qn3Yuhpx0d_AxlKkwFu9VKKgIMTaeFFS3K/s1600/White_Pines_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfTDpfpWpGGDURgXmc9Ko7OjCIy_RsEEwEFNZcc2z0ws88b-P_v3TgtqZa8pl2lDSZg8jw_5muFJvva7Tk9WrMr-Fjg907RBFKhBD4v3x_2qn3Yuhpx0d_AxlKkwFu9VKKgIMTaeFFS3K/s400/White_Pines_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The same trees today: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVICnb-qVLqVrWmozwcTqoqC63i1gZgohiFoea5Y2F0zeZEkwVvdOrdivSVRuhXk-BZw8fesYgiYLg2GskNoz__0SiVqZx9DhBGyUq3MlmnaTTfQosAFDQB3kP1lceTHV4zNH1v_VOFFzE/s2048/T29A8245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVICnb-qVLqVrWmozwcTqoqC63i1gZgohiFoea5Y2F0zeZEkwVvdOrdivSVRuhXk-BZw8fesYgiYLg2GskNoz__0SiVqZx9DhBGyUq3MlmnaTTfQosAFDQB3kP1lceTHV4zNH1v_VOFFzE/w426-h640/T29A8245.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings/order-seedlings">George White nursery here in Missouri</a> is wonderful - carrying all the native trees for Missouri in very cost-effective bundles. I encourage everyone to order or visit this nursery and see what a great job they do with providing Missourians with a wide variety of trees and shrubs (check out their chokeberries!). Seriously, how cool is that??<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-36812724264953083642019-11-04T15:08:00.003-08:002019-11-04T15:50:09.302-08:00Purple Martin Housing Cleanup - 2019At the end of every season, I always dread the inevitable cleanup. I watch other landlords post that they either don't take their gourds down nor do they remove the nests; OR they take them down, pull out the old nests and just store them (no washing).<br />
Me? I can't stand the idea of a mite outbreak one day next spring as the weather is warming, right when I'm pulling the gourds out of storage. So - somewhat reluctantly, after the first freeze in the fall, I find some teenagers that are willing to do the hard work and we embark on the housekeeping duties. After watching the weather reports, I haul all my cleaning equipment out - the scrubbing brushes, the 'greenies', vinyl gloves, heavier dish-washing gloves and 4 gallons of bleach.<br />
Yesterday, November 3rd, happened to be the 'perfect' day, so by 11 AM, we were ready - 96 gourds and 96 lids.<br />
I still only offer 84 gourds, but now, after a landlord retired his racks & gourds last year, I have extra gourds - they really help with the nest checks / changes! <br />
I always hate the part where the old nests have to be removed, so while I pull the gourds off the racks, the young lady and the two gentleman that came this year emptied them. "EEwwwwwww, here's a dead bird", or "uggghhh, I cracked an egg, OMG - that's GROSS"!, cracked me up as we moved across the three racks.<br />
Luckily, those comments were few & far between and evenly spread between the three gourd racks....verifying that I had no serious owl predation the last month of the season. Whew!<br />
Over the years of doing this, I've developed a system and some handy tools - mainly from The Dollar Store - lots of brush varieties and scrubbers. The most handy tool is this "wine bottle washer" that my husband found a few years ago.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Buon-Vino-Spray-Wand/112366978?fbclid=IwAR2CSIncgnffn0A-wYo60ywFOT8dbUft4z1UR3s84_xKeAE3fCN0GGIoo3M">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Buon-Vino-Spray-Wand/112366978?fbclid=IwAR2CSIncgnffn0A-wYo60ywFOT8dbUft4z1UR3s84_xKeAE3fCN0GGIoo3M</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBuAwOAyphZ1l-9RRyMpmFbNOQ1TdOtaXC1cl2gylUJZiwN1foM4UYvKteSfXAsxYjn5uV3Kj1KDNLVSmY9t9RD0my74DRoAw4H8OzSspPdFTL4J34vg1opd-DLiumM8U74g65v_6w51I/s1600/wash_wand.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="1000" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBuAwOAyphZ1l-9RRyMpmFbNOQ1TdOtaXC1cl2gylUJZiwN1foM4UYvKteSfXAsxYjn5uV3Kj1KDNLVSmY9t9RD0my74DRoAw4H8OzSspPdFTL4J34vg1opd-DLiumM8U74g65v_6w51I/s400/wash_wand.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a little more expensive now (5 years later), but WORTH.EVERY.PENNY! After emptying the gourds of all nest contents, I rinse them out with this sprayer. Water comes out the tip in a 360 degree circle as well as straight out the end of the tip too, so yeah, you get wet. After the initial rinse, they go into the large tub (the largest Rubbermaid tub I could find) where they soak in the 10% bleach solution for about 10 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Qc-LWLgtbaDSXHZOHz-TT1WIneYtuMRquuvFe_ZUs-5WTxMbailcPJ3Uwl8NR8tAgY6mcdzfHYlWJ3XZeXAnJTYmXIl8QJ7Htwehnk03LS3RwY563gqNBjtqJXzAi30RkR1qdThwcOPY/s1600/T29A4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Qc-LWLgtbaDSXHZOHz-TT1WIneYtuMRquuvFe_ZUs-5WTxMbailcPJ3Uwl8NR8tAgY6mcdzfHYlWJ3XZeXAnJTYmXIl8QJ7Htwehnk03LS3RwY563gqNBjtqJXzAi30RkR1qdThwcOPY/s400/T29A4957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The worker bees then begin to scrub off everything they can. As we worked yesterday, the 2 young men gave the young lady quite a hard time. The 3 of them were really cranking and when I told them that, the guys snarked and said, "well, we're really only 2 and a half". LOL So, I replied back, "Yeah, but she's doing FIVE jobs and you guys only have ONE!". Yes, she's small, but she's a little firecracker. Gotta stand up for the girl on my team!<br />
As they washed, we would hang the gourds on these arms where I do the final rinse with my magic wand. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV72G2lJ0LOPwpalzc9Q3Lcr-74wknuSmOQO0C22Gy0lJuSZQIIF3HJzOx4ihPUxtFwDiXOO1hezurK_ZppHoQhTxPZgygQa0MDFq2fuBm2cmB_W5etC1Q4I76R0m74nTzJgi8HvmEZh5T/s1600/T29A4956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV72G2lJ0LOPwpalzc9Q3Lcr-74wknuSmOQO0C22Gy0lJuSZQIIF3HJzOx4ihPUxtFwDiXOO1hezurK_ZppHoQhTxPZgygQa0MDFq2fuBm2cmB_W5etC1Q4I76R0m74nTzJgi8HvmEZh5T/s400/T29A4956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
By then, everything is loose and rinses out really well...or well enough at least, for my tastes. <br />
We pile them on the trailer, wait a day or two for them to dry, then Bob and I bag them up in the large leaf bags you can buy at Walmart. Safe & sound - and NO MITES - until next year. This has kept my gourds in excellent shape and some of them (the horizontals) are over 11 years old.<br />
Another tip - other than paying the teenagers well (so they'll come back next year, despite the nasty work), feed them well too! Dr. Pepper, summer sausage, string cheese, variety of chips and water.....<br />
I no longer have to worry about getting too old to handle all this ... turns out, there are some great parents raising some great kids around my area that are always willing to work. I am indeed, very fortunate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkApz7saeDJd1mwBv3eSbxx_pOOuj7qR0leUF67bu_oiKSSb4iuKv0tVGxHARo0tOJgYa550xQFZoztbnsh2DFcdbhLbomzvVFcPtp3y5AUNgvggZ8xbiydLJvOPOr3wLEUxgwwBwHdxo/s1600/T29A4954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkApz7saeDJd1mwBv3eSbxx_pOOuj7qR0leUF67bu_oiKSSb4iuKv0tVGxHARo0tOJgYa550xQFZoztbnsh2DFcdbhLbomzvVFcPtp3y5AUNgvggZ8xbiydLJvOPOr3wLEUxgwwBwHdxo/s400/T29A4954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Thank you, Brenda - you have some awesome children!</i><br />
<i>Thank you, Carly, Jayden & Jay - you guys rock!! (I hope you guys still want to come back next year ....even if you're really sore today). </i>Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-35843718035649367172019-07-02T15:41:00.001-07:002020-11-30T10:31:25.932-08:00A Summer of Purple Martins and FlowersWith all the rain we've had this year, the purple martins' nestlings have been feasting on dragonflies galore. Fledging began here on Thursday, June 20th with 2 nests and as of now, June 30th, about half of my nests have fledged. I had 79 pair this year (up from 76 pair last year) and currently 71 of those nests contain 313 young. That means there are approximately ~150 new fledges and 158 adults (~308 birds from my colony) filling the skies around Gobbler's Knob....and slaughtering every insect in sight. This year I will have 8 late nests - most of them hatching now and over the next couple of days, meaning they won't fledge until the end of July / early August.<br />
My colony is 13 years old this year. This is the first season, since my 3rd or 4th year, where over half my pairs are sub-adults. It's as if there has been a 'changing of the guard' this year. While my number of pairs is up from last year, the number of young that have hatched and survived is lower and I attribute that to the much 'younger/ more inexperienced" sub-adults that I have this year. Along with that change, has come the inevitable passing down of the message, "hey, did you know there's also a Great Horned Owl that lives here?" Yes, she's still here....and she has caught at least 10 adult martins this year and now, with so many new fledges returning at night, we're moving to DEFCON 1 and many sleepless nights until our season ends. <br />
This is a mid-day video of my colony with approximately half the adults still feeding their young during the day.<br />
[After clicking on the video, you can then click on the YouTube link and go to full screen for the HD version]. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5l9ipn0cBmE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5l9ipn0cBmE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Below is a video of 300+ purple martins coming home in the waning sunlight. The chaos caused by over 150 new fledges not knowing to which gourd they should return is pretty hilarious. The ruckus heals my heart and makes all the pain, sweat & tears of the season just melt away. Maybe that's the way nature intended it? Ending the year with this kind of party always gives me a sense of accomplishment and renewed hope. Pretty fantastic and fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8oRrmraTIXk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8oRrmraTIXk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
For the first time in our 13 years of hosting Tree Swallows, they are
all producing a second brood this year. So unusual - but I'm happy about
that! Normally, they've left by now and aren't around to help with the
hawks that start trying to take the martin fledges, but this year, the
little "Orcas" are helping out and I'm loving it! <br />
The purple martins are not the only ones who have benefited from all the rain this year. Our native wildflower field has been bustin' loose too! We have had way more coneflowers this year. And while the 'Queen Anne's Lace' is a native, it is really annoying because it too has benefited from the excessive rain and is blocking the view of some of the other natives. Nevertheless, we are thrilled with the amount of flowers and abundance of insects they're currently attracting. <br />
This is a video from 3 different viewpoints of our most-mature native wildflower field. I love the variety and how there is always something in bloom here. I didn't realize until after I had already processed the video, that I still had 'image-stabilization' turned on for my camera, so some of the video will blur a little bit, but as I pause in various places it does clear up. I have had this video camera for several years and I still can't figure out how half the crap that I really don't need, gets turned on!! Bummer - definitely need to practice more with that! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nw_IJbiKqfM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nw_IJbiKqfM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
I have a St. John's Wort bush in my landscape bed that has been spreading all kinds of fertile seed and I can't keep up with pulling all the small shoots that are coming up. Soooooo, if you want a St. John's Wort bush or some seed, contact me! I'll let you have all you want - but you have to dig it out. Ha! The bonus is that the bumblebees absolutely LOVE St. John's Wort. It's hard to get a good video of the bumblebees because they move so quickly - but in this video, you can see the prolific blooms on the St. John's Wort too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4WSRW_DgNA8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WSRW_DgNA8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Lastly, a quick tour of our savanna area - scattered oak trees with broken sunlight. We planted this area in December 2014 with the Native wildflower mix from <a href="https://www.hamiltonnativeoutpost.com/">Hamilton Native Outpost</a> called, "<a href="https://www.hamiltonnativeoutpost.com/mixes.php">Shadows & Sunbeams</a>". This is its 5th season and it is absolutely beautiful. The birds are now scattering the grey-headed coneflower seeds and the plants are coming up all around the property.<br />
Come with me and take a tour of my favorite spot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uyiAVUGeLAI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uyiAVUGeLAI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
QUIZ TIME! If you watched all five of my videos on this blogpost, you will find that three of them have at least 2, maybe 3 bird calls in common. Can you name them?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-12257506906064105472019-05-11T15:16:00.003-07:002019-05-11T15:19:04.426-07:00Purple Martin Sub-Adults Arrive in MissouriIt seems that I finished getting my new rack up just in time. This year, to better protect my martins and make my nest checks easier, I've replaced my two Deluxe Gourd racks with a third Super System gourd rack. With drilling four extra holes on each of the Super System racks, I'm able to have 28 gourds on each system, maintaining my 84-gourd colony.<br />
I'm thrilled that I'm not only going to be able to more easily do nest checks this year, but I also won't be fighting with the owl cages and donating a quart of blood every time I do a nest check! So far, things have been very quiet where the Great Horned Owl has been concerned. No signs of feathers or attacks yet.<br />
On Saturday, May 4th, I was able to identify my first sub-adult male arrival for the 2019 season.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmoj0UNuRSwYJAP1Ki9Q5UfMc_aLplhslvU_1K83mIiHeGCAhyphenhyphenjZad69jIhGHtVCNoxfWy4BSu621rZFo5lL7nRrIoaTtDcnd0Iv1vWay3CB0dZsMXrJf2PEVcwM6wFhMRy4MYEqLBvsJ/s1600/Subbie-5-4-2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmoj0UNuRSwYJAP1Ki9Q5UfMc_aLplhslvU_1K83mIiHeGCAhyphenhyphenjZad69jIhGHtVCNoxfWy4BSu621rZFo5lL7nRrIoaTtDcnd0Iv1vWay3CB0dZsMXrJf2PEVcwM6wFhMRy4MYEqLBvsJ/s400/Subbie-5-4-2019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Last night, just as the last of the light was fading away, a fast-flying group of martins circled my site three times. They were tightly grouped and all their bellies were very white. I laughed as I suddenly realized they were a gang of sub-adults, coming in like gangbusters - they folded their wings and dove into my colony. They tumbled through the openings in the cages and proceeded to perch on the gourd arms.<br />
They must have thought they would really impress the girls, arriving like a gang of thugs - reminded me of this scene from Grease 2:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C8DWu2lJs7Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C8DWu2lJs7Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
All thirteen of them were sub-adults and they acted like they didn't have an established gourd yet, indicating they must have migrated & arrived here yesterday. It became very noisy in the gourds as the light dimmed and I could barely make them out trying to enter the already-occupied gourds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8Ts3tiI-Agm9tls1V-VOuWUVV53QeRK_-dTCrGSomemppygT17TTVvYetEU27dGO5z0hBMUf69Vm_x0bR0okRK2WVe1xQcvacV7hRt3skTR148wk1I9kyeK93bW8B2TaDMGXbmsP9e5q/s1600/T29A4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8Ts3tiI-Agm9tls1V-VOuWUVV53QeRK_-dTCrGSomemppygT17TTVvYetEU27dGO5z0hBMUf69Vm_x0bR0okRK2WVe1xQcvacV7hRt3skTR148wk1I9kyeK93bW8B2TaDMGXbmsP9e5q/s400/T29A4158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sub-adult arrivals, with a couple of ASY bachelor males.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today, as dawn arrived and the rain continued, making it a cold, wet miserable day for humans and avian alike, I was able to see that indeed, I now have a lot of sub-adults on-board....that are getting ready to wreck chaos here on Gobbler's Knob.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZi0zAOuyV87Bbm_L8OpQh8J76sTUTz0bDGdd5oFXwj_KUxSIkWbpzw_eDmb9mqT37AIe8WSngTH5jpjTwH3FBrPAYbflDrUHKX0kNgzGQPaFFWdCIHXurno261ogwFQsZNN6YNSZM4oP/s1600/T29A4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZi0zAOuyV87Bbm_L8OpQh8J76sTUTz0bDGdd5oFXwj_KUxSIkWbpzw_eDmb9mqT37AIe8WSngTH5jpjTwH3FBrPAYbflDrUHKX0kNgzGQPaFFWdCIHXurno261ogwFQsZNN6YNSZM4oP/s400/T29A4159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free showers today. May sub-adult arrivals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were definite advantages to the timing of their arrivals though.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK2CJoA1UryOYl1PHjiVgOiXz5D55nqTIflyyl870e6d3bLuFNoxHgCxhYeO8_xRGWkZqXbngzB8joYi6O-KKBoNQREY1rcW_XUn45JnFH57knVbgSujNsKDfQMdUfY3qRfifvAQtgpkL/s1600/T29A4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK2CJoA1UryOYl1PHjiVgOiXz5D55nqTIflyyl870e6d3bLuFNoxHgCxhYeO8_xRGWkZqXbngzB8joYi6O-KKBoNQREY1rcW_XUn45JnFH57knVbgSujNsKDfQMdUfY3qRfifvAQtgpkL/s400/T29A4161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May sub-adult arrivals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the weather being incredibly cold and rainy today, some of my "old-timers" who knew the routine when this weather arrived, decided to let me know today that it was time for the eggs and crickets to be served.<br />
Thinking it was a good training opportunity for the new SY arrivals to learn how the diner works here on Gobbler's Knob, I took advantage, thawed some crickets and cooked some eggs.<br />
After some refresher flipping training, I dumped everything on my tray and called them to the trough. In a "monkey-see, monkey-do" fashion, some of the SYs landed with the adults and watched them as they gobbled down the food.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTl5APtB0IDPiTWz_B6N49XFxPct7NDgjO40iviJG-RswiYbdySM7NpisDoTrRMUzm_2VgQhRpW__Ri_eIObt9pZt8WGmt4510FYqKObPeVDCx4ZOVm0B4RZtC6btwm1MMIj0p_i20stN/s1600/Feeding_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTl5APtB0IDPiTWz_B6N49XFxPct7NDgjO40iviJG-RswiYbdySM7NpisDoTrRMUzm_2VgQhRpW__Ri_eIObt9pZt8WGmt4510FYqKObPeVDCx4ZOVm0B4RZtC6btwm1MMIj0p_i20stN/s400/Feeding_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the little SY female to the far left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This little SY female was especially curious and very smart. At first, she tried to steal the food from the ASY female on the right. She knew whatever was going on was a good thing, but she didn't quite understand it yet. But she watched closely and studied hard.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uejD-8oXdlrEiDLr2MosSxQUma-QC8oydCBKC-VF4l1t7z7QBfwMCkIq7ueaaP_6uRfrco8KCas7gEhNdn3mv2Yap-Sodbf7bFuihD-FCH_-a6_4UkQ7pWWKdbA9ydmYGz5jrial6-mq/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1214" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uejD-8oXdlrEiDLr2MosSxQUma-QC8oydCBKC-VF4l1t7z7QBfwMCkIq7ueaaP_6uRfrco8KCas7gEhNdn3mv2Yap-Sodbf7bFuihD-FCH_-a6_4UkQ7pWWKdbA9ydmYGz5jrial6-mq/s400/IMG_2361.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She watched the ASY female closely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After 10 minutes of watching and unable to steal the food from the ASYs, the little female decided to give it a try. I was thrilled! She will remember this routine now. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExljyRF5wSQKX6S80wPVG8MmheZdoz1cRVQRBaPMdlbsh9GUDzNcxG1h8RzQLobsWDwEdh1GqZKlG-R_XHEMwXa-15yEE_2C8JD7PMHugRkbwSSBhh-X3Hr8NXBy5w9O_a-ZjGM0eVaRi/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1282" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExljyRF5wSQKX6S80wPVG8MmheZdoz1cRVQRBaPMdlbsh9GUDzNcxG1h8RzQLobsWDwEdh1GqZKlG-R_XHEMwXa-15yEE_2C8JD7PMHugRkbwSSBhh-X3Hr8NXBy5w9O_a-ZjGM0eVaRi/s400/IMG_2362.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, she tried it out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few minutes later an SY male (left of her) arrived. I'm not sure if he is HER mate, but he watched her intently and I'm sure she'll teach him the ropes. If he's nice to her that is. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQsG_2NAZujdw7szsNV1-BG0hXU35p4kXd8fh9kq8-pGZjkaAPfzzON1V5RLwB0NlEoN_dOcDadEbGsfFpfKta6narlN7whQK1SjPPwwLEo7swFmUKTz2UO0SbC8GEZ-HoDv-n1eg8wQR/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQsG_2NAZujdw7szsNV1-BG0hXU35p4kXd8fh9kq8-pGZjkaAPfzzON1V5RLwB0NlEoN_dOcDadEbGsfFpfKta6narlN7whQK1SjPPwwLEo7swFmUKTz2UO0SbC8GEZ-HoDv-n1eg8wQR/s400/IMG_2363.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SY male and SY female learning how to eat at the feeding tray.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bob said, "you know they all probably ate yesterday, right? Now they're just being little freeloaders". "Yes," I told him, "but I never pass up a training opportunity". And sure enough it paid off.<br />
Hoping for much better weather in the coming days - for my birds and my bees.<br />
I saw this raccoon today toddling across my yard at 2:30 PM. His/her home must be flooded out for him to come out like this. I let him/her pass as I felt kinda sorry for it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ941FAk-3UTz8IzEs6VfLN_2lRQF3xfQH3d6r5oEe2PmhnIP1jeCfJd2iZuZiRr_-tcv7G_77eGkNqCorPTrBzL-tiNeccPyCYtcKU-cnz8qxkCiEJ42kYnqPUnLiFgVxytWFwSuqEWWQ/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="937" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ941FAk-3UTz8IzEs6VfLN_2lRQF3xfQH3d6r5oEe2PmhnIP1jeCfJd2iZuZiRr_-tcv7G_77eGkNqCorPTrBzL-tiNeccPyCYtcKU-cnz8qxkCiEJ42kYnqPUnLiFgVxytWFwSuqEWWQ/s400/IMG_2369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I have no idea yet how many purple martin eggs I have, as my yard seems to be knee-deep in water & mud. We need a break - soon.<br />
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3112022890680879770.post-83883447681609688732019-04-19T19:19:00.000-07:002019-04-19T19:19:05.285-07:00Feed the Bees: Weeds Deserve Love TooAs the weather is warming, I'm beginning to notice more insects out & about here in Missouri. The most annoying one being the ticks that have become active now. From a bird's eye view, it doesn't look like there would be much food out yet for the insects and small butterflies I've been seeing.<br />
But to see, one only needs to look closer.<br />
Drive down any road in Missouri right now and you will see a beautiful hue of purple on each side of the road. To many people's surprise, it's a WEED, but each plant has a terrific cluster of flowers in early spring.<br />
It's called "Henbit" and it's part of the mint family. And while it's a non-native weed, it is not a serious one because its roots are so shallow and it fades before other native wildflowers being to grow, making it a nice 'cover crop'. I tried to rid my yard of it a few times, but I just gave up after I realized, 1) the insects like it and 2), it fades rather quickly. Additionally, it is an edible plant and may be eaten as a potherb or added to spring salads.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRviqbUoojZ7a8FhVnKVSVFQSSJEF421W0ZG-RqrDjBwfaG4DchTPpbFncXnMkuEtCoBL4pRXewZR8rQgJmcoXuKdGicN7zBjrADIuIve2Digb0j6nz1gGXewKpxXdHSOLXUjkCdQ5oZA/s1600/Hens_Bit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRviqbUoojZ7a8FhVnKVSVFQSSJEF421W0ZG-RqrDjBwfaG4DchTPpbFncXnMkuEtCoBL4pRXewZR8rQgJmcoXuKdGicN7zBjrADIuIve2Digb0j6nz1gGXewKpxXdHSOLXUjkCdQ5oZA/s400/Hens_Bit.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henbit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dandelions:<br />
The lowly dandelion has come a long way. This plant is native to
Eurasia, but was known to Arab physicians in the early Middle Ages for
its herbal properties in aiding digestion. It is thought that dandelion
was first introduced into North America in 1620. Seeds transported
onboard the Mayflower were planted in the colonies as a food crop, with
dandelion leaves providing a source of vitamins and minerals for early
settlers. <i>(Source: https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2019/3/dandelion/)</i><br />
<br />
The petals are so perfect right now:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai1RZG5mCqDnMA-GbT7HOnlSmRqK1o2LL03RXEd5XaAjbpEi81KOXPBgo6d-V8xoEGHZSun0lRcf6kXyjdWwfmxK_IrtGykiGjBGhpoQCRU7P47cR29CD7tiWzEjnpqscSUR8qyE4Fims/s400/Dandelion.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dandelion growing in a patch of Henbit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Among our other blooming plants right now is the fragrant sumac. This is a native plant to Missouri and is not a weed, although it does look like one. It is a thicket-forming shrub, growing mostly in the shade or at least near other trees. And if you look really close, you will see why the bees, flies and butterflies are flocking to it in droves right now. It has the cutest, tiniest blossoms!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEN5JZbfCF2auKVrLQ_cCo_7VFcPAFUi1slm6F7BgEK4ml1WpwEokSXBJFIRyQbKKId6bVPX7w0IREd2JRKxSMQcX1Mj5Gg5JrQ8hBOWJNRvbXNa3nNtbOjRgPxcUuXtoDi1_9JyVW_qg1/s1600/Fragrant_Sumac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEN5JZbfCF2auKVrLQ_cCo_7VFcPAFUi1slm6F7BgEK4ml1WpwEokSXBJFIRyQbKKId6bVPX7w0IREd2JRKxSMQcX1Mj5Gg5JrQ8hBOWJNRvbXNa3nNtbOjRgPxcUuXtoDi1_9JyVW_qg1/s400/Fragrant_Sumac.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
In the "Blue" butterfly species, I found a Boisduval's Blue on the fragrant sumac today! Score!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW8WvKAc9NQZin9JhqcrB3-VfH19wKKOR1rcaXQAw_YDso7HXOAb0t0w1QUF2OiODLTrVy1AWNJWp0Zw2MQ5wbHQNXtDoZ4rFRokpyCii-VjXXpYp8lHdbUrg_S0MAu-O_qguNKz2EQ5g/s1600/Boisduval_Blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="981" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW8WvKAc9NQZin9JhqcrB3-VfH19wKKOR1rcaXQAw_YDso7HXOAb0t0w1QUF2OiODLTrVy1AWNJWp0Zw2MQ5wbHQNXtDoZ4rFRokpyCii-VjXXpYp8lHdbUrg_S0MAu-O_qguNKz2EQ5g/s400/Boisduval_Blue.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Among other insects I found on it, there were tons of flies. Not sure what type these are, but there were lots of them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8plYE-skAY1fY3PtK3go6bDWGFroLb3mAIN-QDltznx0windl7zVuDlwp0h7U0K9Gas-qaSZ5Rhrsl41U_YNLiNgJJkpZyoQ2DdAX8zsJRx7ds_lY1ah5Sjg-Z2uB-u8Xd-TzhvNilig/s1600/Missouri_Fly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1448" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8plYE-skAY1fY3PtK3go6bDWGFroLb3mAIN-QDltznx0windl7zVuDlwp0h7U0K9Gas-qaSZ5Rhrsl41U_YNLiNgJJkpZyoQ2DdAX8zsJRx7ds_lY1ah5Sjg-Z2uB-u8Xd-TzhvNilig/s400/Missouri_Fly.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVHI0qISI5Ey7lTUI9A5O7x-uE18byoep_h0V-dNhXUxOJO6YG7LutHzorWOnKrp8QAcmcDj3ov92QnhoJqNjfI4hOtkTVLi8BhxpNk36iQiuok_uq8fPZzs903kgAauELQqKZsNWpjpE/s1600/Missouri_Fly_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVHI0qISI5Ey7lTUI9A5O7x-uE18byoep_h0V-dNhXUxOJO6YG7LutHzorWOnKrp8QAcmcDj3ov92QnhoJqNjfI4hOtkTVLi8BhxpNk36iQiuok_uq8fPZzs903kgAauELQqKZsNWpjpE/s400/Missouri_Fly_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This Red Admiral found the fragrant sumac quite attractive too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1I9lwe5kj_MUjaCCmx5DLsiEa7E75KI-n4-WrCKrNptuTBuO-rZ1MuySA5xln9T4gc4Me_RZ7BFY5XyPZr_VwDxSr4hUwxm8ATKBApPhzqB_pBEYQiw6kz-VDkaNx1ia839qtw0SdjKO/s1600/Red_Admiral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1578" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1I9lwe5kj_MUjaCCmx5DLsiEa7E75KI-n4-WrCKrNptuTBuO-rZ1MuySA5xln9T4gc4Me_RZ7BFY5XyPZr_VwDxSr4hUwxm8ATKBApPhzqB_pBEYQiw6kz-VDkaNx1ia839qtw0SdjKO/s400/Red_Admiral.JPG" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB31CV2JJbuFaBXxs7bWKZriYWhA1dTvPhgA1SWPVYkxdsrAiT8Sadc32BaPZn7n5sF7qX3U497pyufFVJavPLQNfiLOvmGMHRT8GkUn9LgyMLR10u-eEmfnUIMk7EKu1uoCM7AwZcPnrA/s1600/Blue_Wing_Teal_Ducks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1510" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB31CV2JJbuFaBXxs7bWKZriYWhA1dTvPhgA1SWPVYkxdsrAiT8Sadc32BaPZn7n5sF7qX3U497pyufFVJavPLQNfiLOvmGMHRT8GkUn9LgyMLR10u-eEmfnUIMk7EKu1uoCM7AwZcPnrA/s400/Blue_Wing_Teal_Ducks.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-Winged Teal Ducks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The plums are also blooming - they are a big hit with my honeybees and the bumblebees!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OEfkEVDXigChsR1885cOSoXwzW_8YJCHDs0j9t8qW5FFQIg2LnT5A4oOaKYKUZUhKjGwoFtob8nNHkwOe0tcbHlYoRRDxiLvTkq-r5xnug_SMR8AOoKMv440yMfYRfMfW4DXew63x8gP/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OEfkEVDXigChsR1885cOSoXwzW_8YJCHDs0j9t8qW5FFQIg2LnT5A4oOaKYKUZUhKjGwoFtob8nNHkwOe0tcbHlYoRRDxiLvTkq-r5xnug_SMR8AOoKMv440yMfYRfMfW4DXew63x8gP/s400/IMG_2295.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
But, the biggest show-off is always my Indian Paintbrush. It doesn't look very bright yet as it hasn't reached full bloom. In a couple of days though my fields will be bright red. And it's starting to spread to other places where it wasn't even planted. That was a nice surprise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DVqOTMS_CsOOKDBGn62-KzZotOyUmyg3USDS4nFa_AhMmOoCoBfPIUKN7CBMhvNgXAL-bumkpPtk-aPdGv-67m3-9zI-BPFtzz9t_bW17fL52NBdIrT608_VGY_MNDPnju5DOzMpqN63/s1600/IndianPaintbrush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DVqOTMS_CsOOKDBGn62-KzZotOyUmyg3USDS4nFa_AhMmOoCoBfPIUKN7CBMhvNgXAL-bumkpPtk-aPdGv-67m3-9zI-BPFtzz9t_bW17fL52NBdIrT608_VGY_MNDPnju5DOzMpqN63/s400/IndianPaintbrush.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Nikkis Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900207220789667368noreply@blogger.com1