Santandercol
1209 posts
Jul 07, 2007
6:34 AM
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I know they only eat insects,but has anyone ever had barn swallows harrassing their birds?Last few days in the evening when I fly my birds these guys are up there feeding on the bugs and man they sure don't like my pigeons taking their spot in the sky.One outbird was chased and actually hit by this tiny bird and was forced to land on the kitbox.Amazing to watch.eh!----------
Kelly
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nicksiders
1852 posts
Jul 07, 2007
9:35 AM
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I have tree swallows that pursue my birds as if they are BOP 's. My birds one by one are getting where they ignore 'em. The new or young birds will freak out and it pisses me off. I do have barn swallows in the area, but they are not the problem those tree swallows are.
Nick
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Snicker Rollers
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bantieman
17 posts
Jul 07, 2007
11:05 AM
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My kit gets bothered by them everyday, they are good for pushing them up when flying low but that's about it.
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Missouri-Flyer
700 posts
Jul 07, 2007
11:54 AM
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we have an abundant supply of purple martens that do the same thing. I get a kick out of them chasing the pigeons. I think its cool to watch them duck and dive. It only last a minute or so, then the rollers are back to doing what they do.
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Jerry
Home of "Whispering Wings Loft"
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Electric-man
384 posts
Jul 07, 2007
12:24 PM
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We have a "herd" of starlings that come through every evening going to roost. I cant tell if their flying with my rollers or my rollers are flying with them, but they meet up and make about three or four circles and then they go their seperate ways! Its a hoot, they duck and dive all around like there having an acrobatic contest!
Val
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Santandercol
1210 posts
Jul 07, 2007
10:53 PM
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Yeah,it's cool to see them do the dipsy doodle when you know it's not a falcon or hawk after them.One chased a roller for a solid minute right up close to it the whole time and the pigeon was diving and swooping back up trying to get away from it.
Jer,Purple Martins,,,I'll have to google 'em,but are they a smaller bird and an insect eater??
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Kelly
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Missouri-Flyer
707 posts
Jul 08, 2007
9:46 AM
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Correct Kel,
They are the largest of the swallow family.They have purple wings. They eat their share of mosqitoes.
They are out every morning by 6am, and again in the evening..Really pretty, small bird, and fast..They chase the birds, and I have seen em' get after hawks.
here are some cool facts:
Cool Facts
Native Americans hung up empty gourds for the Purple Martin before Europeans arrived in North America. Purple Martins in eastern North America now nest almost exclusively in birdhouses, but those in the West use mostly natural cavities.
Despite the term "scout" used for the first returning Purple Martins, the first arriving individuals are not checking out the area to make sure it is safe for the rest of the group. They are the older martins returning to areas where they nested before. Martins returning north to breed for their first time come back several weeks later. The earlier return of older individuals is a common occurrence in species of migratory birds.
The Purple Martin is unusual among birds that use nest boxes; several pairs will nest in a single box with multiple compartments. However, one male will attempt to defend multiple compartments. Western martins are less likely to use boxes with multiple compartments.
The Purple Martin not only gets all its food in flight, it gets all its water that way too. It skims the surface of a pond and scoops up the water with its lower bill.
The Purple Martin Conservation Association supports the study of the Purple Martin, and has more information available on its web site. The Purple Martin Society of North America also provides information on martins and martin houses.
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Jerry
Home of "Whispering Wings Loft"
Last Edited by on Jul 08, 2007 9:53 AM
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nicksiders
1853 posts
Jul 08, 2007
10:58 AM
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Jerry,
I enjoyed that post. Martins are an easy bird to cultivate and they are benefitual. I am in the process of cultivating Bluebirds (Eastern type) and I am afraid the Martins would disrupt that plan or I would have the houses or gords up.
Thanks,
Nick
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Snicker Rollers
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Missouri-Flyer
712 posts
Jul 08, 2007
1:07 PM
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Nick,
I really enjoy sitting in my yard chair watching them chase the bugs. They are a very pretty bird. I just got in from cutting hay and they were out chasing everything.
I have said for 3 years that I was going to buy,build houses or get some gourdes but haven't yet..I guess I need to kick myself in the A#@ and get it done...They are a great addition to have around.
Hoped someone would enjoy the info about them.
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Jerry
Home of "Whispering Wings Loft"
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maxspin
92 posts
Jul 09, 2007
6:08 AM
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Kelly,
The swallows that chase my birds the most are Tree Swallows. I get a kick out of watching them. I have several boxes up for them. I call them the mighty feather hunters. LOL.
Keith
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Santandercol
1217 posts
Jul 09, 2007
7:39 AM
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Cool Guys.----------
Kelly
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