Birds Nesting other then Purple Martins

I was granted further support and approval from the Department of Public Works in Wilbraham MA the other day. Hurray!

I was asked a really good question- "What if Purple Martins don't want to nest there?"

Good question! I found an answer!

"Because purple martins have become accustomed to and dependent on artificial nesting sites over centuries of association with humans, anyone putting up purple martin houses must be prepared to monitor those houses to keep them suitable. Both European starlings and house sparrows can aggressively compete with purple martins for nesting sites, and constant checking of available houses is necessary to remove unwanted nests and give the purple martins better opportunities to thrive."

(Source: http://birding.about.com/od/birdhouses/a/purplemartinhouses.htm by Melissa Mayntz)

Melissa Mayntz has been birding for more than 20 years and is developing her urban backyard into a certified bird wildlife habitat.  Melissa's birding has taken her from the Midwest to the Southeast to the West and internationally to Mexico and the Caribbean. She has observed hundreds of bird species and has been published in Bird Watcher's Digest.To support bird conservation, Melissa is a member of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Audubon Society."

When I was little I remember a bunch of different birds nesting together. I thought it was a nice community. I hope they weren't competing for space! I hope they can all get along!

  

Bailey visits the pond

 I took my mom and puppy Bailey to see the pond and he really had fun with the leaves!



Paint Donated! Thanks Ecos Paints!

Special thanks to Ecos Paints for their donation of white and a gorgeous colonial blue eco-friendly paint! I promised them photos and updates as soon as the Birdhouse is up in April 2014!

 

The company sends you these nifty color swatches you chose! I liked the CARR CURRENT 0598

 

http://www.ecospaints.net/

 

Ecos Paints is a manufacturer of water based organic paints and varnishes. At ECOS Paints, we created paints, varnishes, and other finishes that genuinely contain zero VOCs. Made in sunny Spartanburg, South Carolina, we are the world's best selling water based, VOC Free paint. Solvent-free, Glycol-free, Eco-friendly, Allergy-safe finishes. Totally free of all pesticides, herbicides and toxins.

• 12,500 times purer than paints with less than 5gm per liter (0.5%) of VOCs (yes, more than twelve thousand times better!)
• Ultimate Purity: VOC Free, Glycol Free, Solvent Free, Odor Free
• No dubious chemicals: EN71 compliant
• All ingredients declared
• Non Yellowing and Entirely Non-Toxic
• Minimize Your Carbon Footprint : Act on CO₂
• Same Day Shipping (normally)

Safe for Allergy, Asthma, Chemical Sensitivities

Contains:

• Water, natural plus manufactured binders (all water-based, all non-toxic)
• Pigments (yellow ochre, red ochre, various - all non toxic)
• Mineral fillers - limestone, clays (non-toxic)
• Thickeners & builders - wood cellulose & resinous (all non-toxic)
• White pigment - titanium dioxide (food grade - non-toxic)
• Levelers (all non-toxic)
• Waxes & texture powders (all non-toxic)

Does not Contain:

• Solvents and white spirit, turpentine, terpenes, ethereal oils, VOC'S glycols, coalescents,
• Animal products
• Heavy metals, - lead, cadmium, mercury etc ECOS is EN71 compliant
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors, acrolein
• Vinyl chloride
• Phthalates
• APEOs.
• Acrylic Softeners

Commitment to Environment
            We use containers which are 100% post-consumer recycled, and 100% recyclable. Our shipping boxes are also recycled and recyclable. We use recycled materials wherever possible and recycle whatever we can. Energy usage is kept to a minimum and we even recycle our processing water. We strongly encourage our clients, friends and neighbors to do the same. 
            
            The use of paints worldwide emitted something in the order of 20 - 25 million tonnes of VOCs into the atmosphere last year* and despite measures and legislation to reduce this problem, will continue to do so for the forseeable future, year on year. By using VOC-free paints, you are helping to do your bit to save the planet, reduce air pollution, and reduce this needless waste of our valuable finite resources

Egret seen at Pond!

Egret seen at Pond! Oct. 1, 2013. I have never seen an Egret there!

So exciting!

 

 

First Volunteer On Board!

 

Volunteer "Team Bird"

 

I will need help digging the hole for the post and keeping it in place while the Quickrete hardens sometime in April 2014. I will also need help posting flyers for the actual "Opening Ceremony" in April for the unveiling. 

 

I have my first official volunteer!

Thanks Andy!

 

If anyone else wants in on "Team Bird" and added to the mailing list let me know. If you email me I can send you this badge for your social media!

Purple Martin Bird

This is the type of bird I am hoping the birdhouse will attract! This is a Purple Martin- Isn't the bird beautiful?