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dead blue martins in blue bird house?

16 years ago

Every spring we find groups (5 or 6) of what appear to be dead blue martins in the blue bird houses when we clean them. They are pretty dried out and unrecognizable by spring but they are the correct size.

I live near Rochester NY. Does anyone have any idea what is happening.

Thanks,

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Comments (5)

luvtheblues
16 years ago
My guess would be that they are Tree Swallows. I have read that people will often find Tree Swallows dead in bluebird boxes as they sometimes do not survive after migrating. But, maybe an expert has better advice!
Alison
Leesburg, VA
kendra2003
16 years ago
It does sound like you're finding Tree Swallows. Perhaps they arrived early and a cold front hit?
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lisa11310
16 years ago
Oh No, Im sorry, will need more info to consult. I have not heard of this.
bbcathy
16 years ago
Are there any nests in the boxes? I also think they are Tree Swallows. If they are in there from last fall or summer they are probably babies that could not get out of the boxes. Tres need a ladder if you will to help them fledge from the nest. All that needs to be done is to make some deep scratches or kerfs on the inside of the box leading up to the hole to help them climb out. There is a website that will give you all the info you will ever need about Bluebirds Tree Swallows and any other cavity nesting birds. www.sialis.org We will also help any time you have questions
Cathy

Here is a link that might be useful: sialis.org
kendra2003
16 years ago
Bbcathy, I think you're on to something. It hadn't even occurred to me that the box may not have kerfs. That would make sense why there would be five or six of them in there.

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