Terry Suchma
06-09-2010, 04:04 PM
Manitoba Purple Martin Club
Box 36 Grp. 615 SS 6 Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 2Z3
March - June 2010
Dear Member:
To all of the new members of the Manitoba Purple Martin Club – WELCOME! They are Michael Ryzak and Fred McLeod of Winnipeg, Reg & Grace Cansdale of Dugald and John Doornbos of Selkirk. First of all we are all aware of the great oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and are concerned about the wildlife, fisheries, the song and shore birds. Manitoba has sent 3,000 of its flood tubes to Louisiana to help protect its shoreline from the huge oil spill. Our Premier said when somebody’s in a great urgent need of technology to protect their natural resources and we can help, we’re willing to do that. The tubes will span 46,000 meters, and will be used to stop the oil from reaching the shore.
Pelicans are in great trouble. I recall when Katrina hit New Orleans and devastated everything, Manitoba sent out supplies and carpenters to rebuild. We’re proud to be Manitoban’s and Canadians
that we can help. Our hearts go out to all of you along the coastline, especially our member Carlyle
Rogillio, who manages The Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Metaire, Louisiana. The first Purple Martin arrived in Mariopolis, Manitoba and Weyburn Saskatchewan on March 30th, Landmark on April 14th, La Broquerie on April 16th, Winnipeg April 16th, Lockport on April 17th, 7 were seen in Pine Falls the same day. Thomas Lloyd Robinson of St. Laurent and Joey Whitehead of Mitchell both seen them on April 26th. What a gift for Joey, it was her birthday present! There was a great number of tree swallows in Pine Falls on April 18th. On the way to Dauphin on April 6th, we stopped in to see my brother in law in Kelwood and I saw a gold finch at the feeder. He said it stayed there all winter, never migrated. A few years ago there was one in Dauphin that stayed over the winter.
On April 26th Ken Miller, Clyde Brown, and Ernie Didur installed a 16-room castle style house at the Senior Citizens complex in Selkirk, just off Agnes Street. We were greeted by John Doornbos, our new member and caretaker who met us at the site. He found our clubs name on the Internet, thanks to our members down south. That same day Ernie gave Ken Miller a hand to put up a house at his place. It took a long time but he finally got 3 pairs. Fred McLeod who resides on 400 Osborne Street phoned us that they would like to move a castle style Purple Martin house to a different location on their premises at their huge apartment block. Shortly after that we found out that they going to do some landscaping on the site. After they finish their job, we’ll move the house. We still have another house to put up at Gull Lake. We thank Clyde Brown for donating several houses throughout the years.
The committee of the Statues of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has added the chestnut coloured longspur to the threatened list. It says more than 90 per cent of the flashy Prairie songbirds in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been lost. This pretty little prairie bird with long toes and a bright collar is disappearing. It still occurs in Manitoba but its range has contracted tremendously in the last few decades. About 30 years ago, you could have seen these birds around the Winnipeg Airport and at the Oak Hammock Marsh. Nowadays you have to go to the extreme southwest corner of the provinces around Melita. This bird arrives in April and leaves in September for the warmer climates. The long collared longspur is just one of the many prairie birds of a feather who are no longer flocking here together. Other species that are related to what used to be the Prairie environment or grassland environment virtually all are in trouble. What this is telling us in that the grassland environment is declining very rapidly. This songbird, that sounds like a distant meadowlark draws birders from all over. It lays low and keeps quiet when it winters in the grasslands of Texas and Colorado, but it comes to life on the prairie when it returns. Its one of the species bird watchers love to come and see. There are 585 endangered species at risk in Canada according to the committee. We must not forget the people working with the Forestry planting trees for all the birds in the future. One person that I’m talking about is Ken Fosty, our member, who works tirelessly planting trees throughout the province. He also gives lectures about maple syrup and mushrooms. We’re proud to have a member like him in our Club. Keep up the good work!
Rob Williams of Pine Falls has three Martin houses, 2 castle and one Salisbury style house. His location is perfect for Martins by the Winnipeg River. His first male came in around the middle of May and has been busy bringing material for the nest. In the end of May he had one male and two females. He has his fingers crossed for more. Ann Johnson has 2 Northstar houses and four gourds and has 38 Martins. She has them for breakfast in the morning. She usually sets the table for 17 for the first sitting. They love scrambled eggs and always wait for their breakfast call. Some members are still waiting for their Martins and they’re all at Ann’s place. What a sight! Our thanks to the Purple Martin Society of Collier County in Naples Florida for mentioning our Clubs 30th Anniversary.
A stranger rushed into a bar and ordered a double whiskey, “tell me”, he asked the barman agitatedly, how high does a penguin grow?” “Oh, about so high!” replied the barman, placing his hand 2 feet from the floor. “Are you sure?” said the stranger. “Positive”, said the barman. “Damn! I guess I just ran over a nun!”
Our membership stands at 88 members, 8 members received complimentary memberships and 2 are lifetime members. Just a reminder, here’s a list of the members that haven’t renewed for 2010. Carol Baker, Heidy & Mel Boszko, Marc Bruneau, Sally Calomy, Syl Didur, Donna Erskine, Ron & Jean Nobess, Albert Walleghem, Minnedosa Scouts, Anola School Playground, Le Chalet De LaBroquerie, Dennis Carriere, Pete Cassel, Lloyd Church, Jim Friesen, Oscar & Roland Gagnon, Al & Terry Johnson, Fred Kazina, Ken Nielsen, Glennys Shewchuk, and Phillip Turenne.
If you have mailed your membership in kindly disregard this reminder. If not your name will be taken off our mailing list. Membership is still $10. 00 per year per family. Our Annual Purple Martin picnic will be held July 4th at the R. V. Travellers Resort on Murdock Road. We have a set of rain date for July 18th. Hotdogs, Hamburgers, watermelon, ice cream, etc will be supplied by the Club. There will be races and games for the children and a horseshoe tournament for the adults. Cash prizes will be given for the tournament. Several tables will be set up for your different houses, ideas, for members to see. Some of the new members have mentioned that they never played horseshoe and wondered how it was played. Everyone that wants to play will be given a card drawn from a hat. If your card matches someone else’s, that determines your partner.
Ladies are allowed to stand 10 feet from the peg. There will be a prize drawn every hour from 1 – 5 p. m. We will also be having a Silent Auction, so if you have or want to donate anything, give us a shout. We’ll pick it up, or bring it to the picnic early so we can put it on for display. We thank the members who have already donated lovely prizes. Doors will be open at 11:00 a. m. We’re still working on the entertainment part. The entrance fee is $3. 00/per person and if you wish to play horseshoes, its $3. 00 also. Children are free! So bring your lawn chairs, refreshments, smiles and help us celebrate out 30th Anniversary. By the way, the Queen will be visiting the city on July 3rd, so we’re planning to have her attend. You’ll have fun…. guaranteed!
Bring your friends; your friends are our friends!
From here and there!
I forgot to mention that Rob Williams has 40 tree swallows and a pair of Bluebirds. Donna McDougall's Martins returned on April 28th. The Purple Martin house that we put up at the Angus McKay School was vandalized this year. It was found lying on the ground. It’s all fixed up now.
We’ve donated $100. 00 for the Winnipeg Optimists Club. They just had their carnival for the children at the Grant Park Shopping Mall on June 4, 5, 6. Martha Matkowski from Winnipegosis mentioned that there are too many hawks in the area for the Martins. Many finches were killed by hitting windows trying to escape from the Hawks while feeding at their feeders according to Jo-Ann Zawislak. The “Member of the Year Trophy” and plaque will be presented as well as Appreciation Certificates at the picnic. We’ll be needing volunteers at the picnic. Our place is just loaded with butterflies!
After our great storm last week, here’s a recipe for planting a garden of your daily living:
Plant:
Three rows of peas Four rows of squash
(1) Peace of mind (1) Squash gossip
(2) Peace of heart (2) Squash indifference
(3) Peace of soul (3) Squash grumbling
(4) Squash selfishness
Plant four rows of lettuce No garden is without turnips
(1) Let us be faithful (1) Turnip for meetings
(2) Let us be kind (2) Turnip for service
(3) Let us be patient (3) Turnip to help others
(4) Let us really love one another
To conclude our garden we must have Thyme
(1) Thyme for one another
(2) Thyme for family
(3) Thyme for friends
Water freely with Patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.
We hope Ken Neilsen and Ron Nobess are feeling much better after their ordeal. All the best to Wilma Gill on her upcoming operation.
FUNDRAISING WITH FLOWER BULBS
Veseys Bulbs in Prince Edward Island does fund raising for Clubs throughout Canada. Last year we went over to Pine Falls and met Rob and Brenda Williams. They have a lovely place and their garden is full of flowers. The size of their flower garden would be about 100’ x 50’. Brenda mentioned about this Bulb and Seed Company and how this fund raising program works. Members would get a full colour brochure, instructions how to plant the bulbs s well as a price list (no tax). The cut off date for ordering your flowers would be Sept. 15th. After that Brenda would send all the orders together and they will start shipping, which is free. I’ve seen these lovely bulbs and they’re gorgeous! I’ve enclosed some pictures. Whatever we spend for the flowers the Club gets 50 percent. Sell 200. 00 we keep 100. 00. The seeds and bulbs are guaranteed or you get a replacement. This is a fall order. Your bulbs will arrive in the mail. Brenda will have a table at the picnic with all the brochures and information. Anyone interested in this you could write to box 36, Grp 615 SS6, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 2Z3 or phone 256-2079. All the money would be sent to Rob Williams, Box 92, Pine Falls, Manitoba R0E 1M0, phone (204) 367-4108. THANK YOU!
Ann Johnson’s Report:
Well, another purple martin season has begun, in a rather strange way I might add. We had amazing weather with lots of sun and very little rain, and no martins to be seen. Many landlords complained that their martins were weeks late, with some arriving to established colonies in Beausejour, Pinefalls and Oakbank the last week of May. I think everything was late this year as far as songbirds go. I have been noticing Canada Geese flying in a V formation, heading North the last few days. This is also crazy as they should have come through long ago. Each spring will bring new surprises as birds deal with climate change and its affect on their migration patterns. Egg laying has begun in the last week or so with a few of my nests having 7 eggs. I eliminate sparrows and starlings who try to nest at my site and this season has confirmed for me that I am absolutely doing the right thing. A sparrow destroyed 6 eggs from two different nests because he was unable to get into a compartment as they were taken up by martins. Instead of moving on and finding another nesting site, his goal was to destroy all eggs from all compartments I am sure. Some females are incubating so they rarely leave the nest, which stopped him from entering those nests and destroying those eggs as well. When I am told that sparrows and martins get along I will now have first hand experience to prove that they do not. Landlords who do not check on nests have no idea what is going on with the eggs or young, they just assume that everything is fine. We introduced this non native species and it is our duty to protect our native birds from any sparrow trying to harm adults or their young. Starlings who are also a non native species pose a huge threat to the martins and kill adults and young every season. Our martins fly thousands of miles to nest in our back yards and the least we can do is make it as safe as possible for them.
Now on to more enjoyable topics. Remember to offer eggshells and scrambled eggs during cold weather if necessary and watch out for mites. This season could be bad for mites and blow flies due to the rainy weather. Also for those keeping track of numbers, please contact me with your total pairs and also egg count. Have a great season and let’s try to get as many new fledgling martins out in to the world as possible.
Anne Johnson
urbancolour@shaw. ca
One June 1st Ann Johnson phoned and said a sparrow destroyed one nest of eggs in the Purple Martin house. I’ve never heard of Martins laying eggs so early. What are they telling us again? Before closing I want to remind you once again about our Annual Picnic which will be held on July 4th, rain date July 18th. Come celebrate our 30th Anniversary. If possible please let us know how many are coming. We want to see you there, talk to you and not about you.
Wishing you all a very successful Purple Martin Season!
Take care! We care!
Sincerely,
ERNIE DIDUR,
President
Box 36 Grp. 615 SS 6 Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 2Z3
March - June 2010
Dear Member:
To all of the new members of the Manitoba Purple Martin Club – WELCOME! They are Michael Ryzak and Fred McLeod of Winnipeg, Reg & Grace Cansdale of Dugald and John Doornbos of Selkirk. First of all we are all aware of the great oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and are concerned about the wildlife, fisheries, the song and shore birds. Manitoba has sent 3,000 of its flood tubes to Louisiana to help protect its shoreline from the huge oil spill. Our Premier said when somebody’s in a great urgent need of technology to protect their natural resources and we can help, we’re willing to do that. The tubes will span 46,000 meters, and will be used to stop the oil from reaching the shore.
Pelicans are in great trouble. I recall when Katrina hit New Orleans and devastated everything, Manitoba sent out supplies and carpenters to rebuild. We’re proud to be Manitoban’s and Canadians
that we can help. Our hearts go out to all of you along the coastline, especially our member Carlyle
Rogillio, who manages The Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Metaire, Louisiana. The first Purple Martin arrived in Mariopolis, Manitoba and Weyburn Saskatchewan on March 30th, Landmark on April 14th, La Broquerie on April 16th, Winnipeg April 16th, Lockport on April 17th, 7 were seen in Pine Falls the same day. Thomas Lloyd Robinson of St. Laurent and Joey Whitehead of Mitchell both seen them on April 26th. What a gift for Joey, it was her birthday present! There was a great number of tree swallows in Pine Falls on April 18th. On the way to Dauphin on April 6th, we stopped in to see my brother in law in Kelwood and I saw a gold finch at the feeder. He said it stayed there all winter, never migrated. A few years ago there was one in Dauphin that stayed over the winter.
On April 26th Ken Miller, Clyde Brown, and Ernie Didur installed a 16-room castle style house at the Senior Citizens complex in Selkirk, just off Agnes Street. We were greeted by John Doornbos, our new member and caretaker who met us at the site. He found our clubs name on the Internet, thanks to our members down south. That same day Ernie gave Ken Miller a hand to put up a house at his place. It took a long time but he finally got 3 pairs. Fred McLeod who resides on 400 Osborne Street phoned us that they would like to move a castle style Purple Martin house to a different location on their premises at their huge apartment block. Shortly after that we found out that they going to do some landscaping on the site. After they finish their job, we’ll move the house. We still have another house to put up at Gull Lake. We thank Clyde Brown for donating several houses throughout the years.
The committee of the Statues of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has added the chestnut coloured longspur to the threatened list. It says more than 90 per cent of the flashy Prairie songbirds in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been lost. This pretty little prairie bird with long toes and a bright collar is disappearing. It still occurs in Manitoba but its range has contracted tremendously in the last few decades. About 30 years ago, you could have seen these birds around the Winnipeg Airport and at the Oak Hammock Marsh. Nowadays you have to go to the extreme southwest corner of the provinces around Melita. This bird arrives in April and leaves in September for the warmer climates. The long collared longspur is just one of the many prairie birds of a feather who are no longer flocking here together. Other species that are related to what used to be the Prairie environment or grassland environment virtually all are in trouble. What this is telling us in that the grassland environment is declining very rapidly. This songbird, that sounds like a distant meadowlark draws birders from all over. It lays low and keeps quiet when it winters in the grasslands of Texas and Colorado, but it comes to life on the prairie when it returns. Its one of the species bird watchers love to come and see. There are 585 endangered species at risk in Canada according to the committee. We must not forget the people working with the Forestry planting trees for all the birds in the future. One person that I’m talking about is Ken Fosty, our member, who works tirelessly planting trees throughout the province. He also gives lectures about maple syrup and mushrooms. We’re proud to have a member like him in our Club. Keep up the good work!
Rob Williams of Pine Falls has three Martin houses, 2 castle and one Salisbury style house. His location is perfect for Martins by the Winnipeg River. His first male came in around the middle of May and has been busy bringing material for the nest. In the end of May he had one male and two females. He has his fingers crossed for more. Ann Johnson has 2 Northstar houses and four gourds and has 38 Martins. She has them for breakfast in the morning. She usually sets the table for 17 for the first sitting. They love scrambled eggs and always wait for their breakfast call. Some members are still waiting for their Martins and they’re all at Ann’s place. What a sight! Our thanks to the Purple Martin Society of Collier County in Naples Florida for mentioning our Clubs 30th Anniversary.
A stranger rushed into a bar and ordered a double whiskey, “tell me”, he asked the barman agitatedly, how high does a penguin grow?” “Oh, about so high!” replied the barman, placing his hand 2 feet from the floor. “Are you sure?” said the stranger. “Positive”, said the barman. “Damn! I guess I just ran over a nun!”
Our membership stands at 88 members, 8 members received complimentary memberships and 2 are lifetime members. Just a reminder, here’s a list of the members that haven’t renewed for 2010. Carol Baker, Heidy & Mel Boszko, Marc Bruneau, Sally Calomy, Syl Didur, Donna Erskine, Ron & Jean Nobess, Albert Walleghem, Minnedosa Scouts, Anola School Playground, Le Chalet De LaBroquerie, Dennis Carriere, Pete Cassel, Lloyd Church, Jim Friesen, Oscar & Roland Gagnon, Al & Terry Johnson, Fred Kazina, Ken Nielsen, Glennys Shewchuk, and Phillip Turenne.
If you have mailed your membership in kindly disregard this reminder. If not your name will be taken off our mailing list. Membership is still $10. 00 per year per family. Our Annual Purple Martin picnic will be held July 4th at the R. V. Travellers Resort on Murdock Road. We have a set of rain date for July 18th. Hotdogs, Hamburgers, watermelon, ice cream, etc will be supplied by the Club. There will be races and games for the children and a horseshoe tournament for the adults. Cash prizes will be given for the tournament. Several tables will be set up for your different houses, ideas, for members to see. Some of the new members have mentioned that they never played horseshoe and wondered how it was played. Everyone that wants to play will be given a card drawn from a hat. If your card matches someone else’s, that determines your partner.
Ladies are allowed to stand 10 feet from the peg. There will be a prize drawn every hour from 1 – 5 p. m. We will also be having a Silent Auction, so if you have or want to donate anything, give us a shout. We’ll pick it up, or bring it to the picnic early so we can put it on for display. We thank the members who have already donated lovely prizes. Doors will be open at 11:00 a. m. We’re still working on the entertainment part. The entrance fee is $3. 00/per person and if you wish to play horseshoes, its $3. 00 also. Children are free! So bring your lawn chairs, refreshments, smiles and help us celebrate out 30th Anniversary. By the way, the Queen will be visiting the city on July 3rd, so we’re planning to have her attend. You’ll have fun…. guaranteed!
Bring your friends; your friends are our friends!
From here and there!
I forgot to mention that Rob Williams has 40 tree swallows and a pair of Bluebirds. Donna McDougall's Martins returned on April 28th. The Purple Martin house that we put up at the Angus McKay School was vandalized this year. It was found lying on the ground. It’s all fixed up now.
We’ve donated $100. 00 for the Winnipeg Optimists Club. They just had their carnival for the children at the Grant Park Shopping Mall on June 4, 5, 6. Martha Matkowski from Winnipegosis mentioned that there are too many hawks in the area for the Martins. Many finches were killed by hitting windows trying to escape from the Hawks while feeding at their feeders according to Jo-Ann Zawislak. The “Member of the Year Trophy” and plaque will be presented as well as Appreciation Certificates at the picnic. We’ll be needing volunteers at the picnic. Our place is just loaded with butterflies!
After our great storm last week, here’s a recipe for planting a garden of your daily living:
Plant:
Three rows of peas Four rows of squash
(1) Peace of mind (1) Squash gossip
(2) Peace of heart (2) Squash indifference
(3) Peace of soul (3) Squash grumbling
(4) Squash selfishness
Plant four rows of lettuce No garden is without turnips
(1) Let us be faithful (1) Turnip for meetings
(2) Let us be kind (2) Turnip for service
(3) Let us be patient (3) Turnip to help others
(4) Let us really love one another
To conclude our garden we must have Thyme
(1) Thyme for one another
(2) Thyme for family
(3) Thyme for friends
Water freely with Patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.
We hope Ken Neilsen and Ron Nobess are feeling much better after their ordeal. All the best to Wilma Gill on her upcoming operation.
FUNDRAISING WITH FLOWER BULBS
Veseys Bulbs in Prince Edward Island does fund raising for Clubs throughout Canada. Last year we went over to Pine Falls and met Rob and Brenda Williams. They have a lovely place and their garden is full of flowers. The size of their flower garden would be about 100’ x 50’. Brenda mentioned about this Bulb and Seed Company and how this fund raising program works. Members would get a full colour brochure, instructions how to plant the bulbs s well as a price list (no tax). The cut off date for ordering your flowers would be Sept. 15th. After that Brenda would send all the orders together and they will start shipping, which is free. I’ve seen these lovely bulbs and they’re gorgeous! I’ve enclosed some pictures. Whatever we spend for the flowers the Club gets 50 percent. Sell 200. 00 we keep 100. 00. The seeds and bulbs are guaranteed or you get a replacement. This is a fall order. Your bulbs will arrive in the mail. Brenda will have a table at the picnic with all the brochures and information. Anyone interested in this you could write to box 36, Grp 615 SS6, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 2Z3 or phone 256-2079. All the money would be sent to Rob Williams, Box 92, Pine Falls, Manitoba R0E 1M0, phone (204) 367-4108. THANK YOU!
Ann Johnson’s Report:
Well, another purple martin season has begun, in a rather strange way I might add. We had amazing weather with lots of sun and very little rain, and no martins to be seen. Many landlords complained that their martins were weeks late, with some arriving to established colonies in Beausejour, Pinefalls and Oakbank the last week of May. I think everything was late this year as far as songbirds go. I have been noticing Canada Geese flying in a V formation, heading North the last few days. This is also crazy as they should have come through long ago. Each spring will bring new surprises as birds deal with climate change and its affect on their migration patterns. Egg laying has begun in the last week or so with a few of my nests having 7 eggs. I eliminate sparrows and starlings who try to nest at my site and this season has confirmed for me that I am absolutely doing the right thing. A sparrow destroyed 6 eggs from two different nests because he was unable to get into a compartment as they were taken up by martins. Instead of moving on and finding another nesting site, his goal was to destroy all eggs from all compartments I am sure. Some females are incubating so they rarely leave the nest, which stopped him from entering those nests and destroying those eggs as well. When I am told that sparrows and martins get along I will now have first hand experience to prove that they do not. Landlords who do not check on nests have no idea what is going on with the eggs or young, they just assume that everything is fine. We introduced this non native species and it is our duty to protect our native birds from any sparrow trying to harm adults or their young. Starlings who are also a non native species pose a huge threat to the martins and kill adults and young every season. Our martins fly thousands of miles to nest in our back yards and the least we can do is make it as safe as possible for them.
Now on to more enjoyable topics. Remember to offer eggshells and scrambled eggs during cold weather if necessary and watch out for mites. This season could be bad for mites and blow flies due to the rainy weather. Also for those keeping track of numbers, please contact me with your total pairs and also egg count. Have a great season and let’s try to get as many new fledgling martins out in to the world as possible.
Anne Johnson
urbancolour@shaw. ca
One June 1st Ann Johnson phoned and said a sparrow destroyed one nest of eggs in the Purple Martin house. I’ve never heard of Martins laying eggs so early. What are they telling us again? Before closing I want to remind you once again about our Annual Picnic which will be held on July 4th, rain date July 18th. Come celebrate our 30th Anniversary. If possible please let us know how many are coming. We want to see you there, talk to you and not about you.
Wishing you all a very successful Purple Martin Season!
Take care! We care!
Sincerely,
ERNIE DIDUR,
President