Cleethorpes sightings

In the 1980's the Mid-Lincs Ringing Group undertook an extensive study of nesting House Martins in the Market Rasen area - at its peak this involved over 100 nests but, sadly, those days are gone.  What we did find was that once the nests were built they were renovated but very few were subsequently built.  I am still monitoring a successful site at Kirmond le Mire where there are four nests on a bungalow - this is only one fewer than when I started in 2000.  However this is obviously not reflected elsewhere.

After my gloomy post on June 3, I was pleased when, about a fortnight later, birds were back building a new mudnest at the same seafront  site. Over the following week, there was loads of activity. Great!

I checked yesterday and today, but, though the nest was still in situ, there was not a martin to be seen.

I'm wondering if Friday night's three-hour street carnival, followed by a noisy two-day air display (featuring Red Arrows and other jets) did for the birds. Perhaps they took fright and deserted the site.  



 

 

It did rather spoil my morning, Pete. If the nest was deliberately removed, it would be a wildlife crime, but I have doubts if the police would take action.

That's tragic Jim. People don't want them on their houses because of the mess. I always tell people that a Martin nest on the house brings luck!  They sometimes believe me.

Pete

Sadly the housemartin nest on Cleethorpes seafront has either fallen or it has been removed. It was in situ yesterday morning, but was gone this morning. The birds have also moved on, with no sign of any mud gathering on the beach.  

I also put up 3 artificial Martin nests at a friends hose near Saltfleet adjacent to Grt Eau  , there was 4 nesting pairs 4 years ago
rearing young this year none  

regards John