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Quarabian
Platinum Member
 Wales
4340 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Sep 2014 : 5:06:01 PM
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Last night my Jack Russel jumped off the bed and stood looking with anticipation at the corner of the window. When I investigated there was a baby house martin on the window sil fluttering against it as if trying to get in. There are nests just above the window so I imagine it had become disoreintated by the dim light iside the bedroom. I opened the window and it was really easy to catch. What a magical thing it was to hold a precious little house martin in my hand.
I was surprised to see it because most of them have already flown away. I knew there was one nest left to fledge and this must have been one of them. I put it in a small box with tissues and kept it in the wardrobe away from JR and a cat who was sleeping with us last night. It settled immediately in the dark. So this morning at first light I let it go. Seeing it fly off strongly was another magical moment. So pleased to have the priveledge of being there to help. Fly true little one. Safe journey home and come back next year.
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sab2
Platinum Member
8467 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2014 : 7:47:20 PM
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Bless it, we have one nest left, they started coming out yesterday so fingers crossed they will soon be on their way. Its been a fab year this year for our House Martins and even better for the Swallows which have had lots of fives survive. Fingers crossed they all make the long trip safe and sound, i always think its sad when they leave, i really miss them swooping and diving and all the noise they make, means winters not long away   |
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Vik1
Platinum Member
1711 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2014 : 11:09:22 PM
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The swallows in my stable block seem to be killing themselves  poor things!
Ive found 2 dead in storms stable in last couple of weeks. Another livery has found a couple in hers. I think they are flying into the skylights and killing themselves that way.
Its been such good weather lately we still have them. They are usually gone by now.
Noticed we have our first robin. |
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Ari
Platinum Member
1657 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2014 : 3:03:41 PM
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Bless the little house Martin, and you for being there and knowing what to do. I have a nest on my burglar alarm box right next to bedroom window so I have been careful all summer not to open the window too far to protect them from my much loved feline killer of all things that move.
We still have a few Swallows at the stables but it's so sad when they go and I wish them all a safe journey. |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2014 : 7:50:25 PM
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Don't have house martins but loads of swallows. Just a few juveniles left now. I have mixed feeling about them as I have to cover the hay and straw with oplythene sheets otherwise it is ruined and I get dropped on when I am doing the haynets.
Many years ago one of the nests was so full as the chicks got bigger one kept falling out. I got the ladder out and replaced it every morning and evening for a couple of weeks and then one morning it wasn't there and I was so pleased that it had remained in the nest and I didn't have to lug the ladder out (they were woodden in those days) and VERY heavy. However, I wasn't so happy when I was mucking out as my horse had stood on it in the night and it was completely flattened; at least it would have been quick, poor little soul.
Barbara |
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Goldenmane
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4964 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2014 : 1:43:57 PM
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| Lucky little house martin, poor little swallow. I have neither, just pigeons, crows and magpies nearby my field. I do have a friendly robin and squirrels though...and bats! |
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heathermcbreen
Platinum Member
England
2132 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2014 : 8:20:04 PM
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| oh Barbara !! how annoying after all that trouble, I have one baby swallow left, it has come out of the nest and sits on a beam chattering to mum and dad and I think its brothers/sisters feed it too. I hope it gets enough flying practice to make the trip to Africa. Well done Quarabian for saving the House Martin. Good luck to all the migratory birds. |
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CINDERS
Gold Member
England
750 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2014 : 1:23:18 PM
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These moments are so precious
We picked up a Sparrowhawk that had flown into glass. Felt so honoured to have close contact with such a bird.
We had to take it to the wildlife hospital as it was injured but we hope to have it back when it is ready
What a magical bird
Yvonne |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
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Quarabian
Platinum Member
Wales
4340 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2014 : 8:18:47 PM
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I love sparrow hawks, except when they are harrassing the bird table.
The day after the little one left I didn't see another martin or swallow. Hope it caught up with the others. See you next year. |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2014 : 10:54:18 AM
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| We still have some juveniles left, hope they join up with some others and depart soon. |
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Quarabian
Platinum Member
Wales
4340 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2014 : 4:03:30 PM
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| maybe they will join with my little fellow. |
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A magical moment with a house martin
