On July 16th, Chestermere Whitecapper seniors met at the residence of Gerry Evans for an engaging experience. Regular readers may recall an earlier column about the highly successful purple martin colony that has been established by Gerry adjacent to the Kinniburgh storm pond. This adventure was in part a new experience for almost everyone as well as to check up on the progress of the martin young.
The “bird-walkers” were in for quite a treat. After lowering the martin condo units, normally at ten or twelve feet above the ground, Gerry opened the “doors” to the nest boxes. Seeing inside martin nest boxes for the first time is really something. From eggs. to chicks a few days old, to martins covered in youthful feathers, the magic of life was revealed to every amazed and curious senior. The adult martins didn't seem to mind the presence of 10 extra souls in the yard, clearly demonstrated by their focused work on feeding the chicks. Large dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies were captured by the adults and then taken quickly in the nest boxes. Gerry informed the group that the adults literally jam the meals into the gaping beaks of the young, much to their collective astonishment. There is no time for table manners in this feathered feeding frenzy.
The group learned that the greatest challenge to the survival of the martins, occurs often before the eggs hatch. Although Gerry has implemented effective design features to keep European Starlings from entering the nest boxes, house sparrows are just the right size to still access the nests, breaking the eggs. Nearly two dozen eggs had been broken by sparrows thus far, decreasing the success of the purple martin colony in total numbers.
Everyone noted what an ideal location this area is to establish a martin colony. A large water body, itself, a life force in generating aquatic insect life, to be captured by the martins, supplies the proteins needed to build the next martin generation. Aspen trees provide the leaves for martins to put in the nest boxes in order to increase the humidity of the nest and thus help preserve healthy eggs. When asked about feeding during cold weather snaps, when insects aren't as abundant, Gerry indicated that he would fling scrambled egg bits into the air for the flying martins to catch and consume.
Bruce and Colleen Herzog, “proud parents' of a martin colony located north of Olds, came along to share their experiences with Gerry. Both families started their colony in 2022 and have experienced fantastic success. Ideas on limiting the impact of mites on newborns were discussed as well as construction and design of martin condos. It was enjoy to see these dedicated martin fans describe their best practices in hopes of ensuring Alberta born martins can head back to the Amazon Basin in August.
For Elaine and I, we were happy to share the curiosity and to listen to the great questions asked of Gerry by those attending. To Gerry, we extend a sincere thank you for sharing the positive experience with those who truly felt, young again.