Interaction...

[Michel Pilon]

Hello all,

Today I present you a lifer for me: the Purple Martin.

At Baie-du-Febvre (Quebec, Canada, May 2009), I got the time to observ from the road the interactions between several individuals nesting within a "condominium".

The pictures I prefer are those showing different behavior especially when 2 individuals (intra and/or inter species) are involved.

BTW, have you seen this species nesting in the wild (without any human help)?

Any comments about this picture?



The Purple Martin is unusual among birds that use nest boxes; several pairs will nest in a single box with multiple compartments. However, one male will attempt to defend multiple compartments. Western martins are less likely to use boxes with multiple compartments.





Model = Canon EOS 40D
Orientation = top/left
Software = Adobe Photoshop CS Windows
Date Time = 2009-11-17 173:22

[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/2500"
F Number = F8
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 640
Exif Version = Version 2.21
Date Time Original = 2009-05-04 09:10:48
Date Time Digitized = 2009-05-04 09:10:48
Shutter Speed Value = 11.38 TV
Aperture Value = 6 AV
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 420mm


Thank you very much in advance,

Michel Pilon
Quebec, Canada

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice behavior presented, if a little noisy to my eyes, especially the male on top, his belly has been lightened and it shows.
I love PMs and we have them here every year, but in condos.
TFS.

[Ilija Dukovski]

Very intersting interaction, agree with Fabs about the noise.

BTW, have you seen this species nesting in the wild (without any human help)?

Not sure about this, but I believe they do not nest in the wild anymore,
they are completely human reliant, at least in US.

[Michel Pilon]

Hello Ilija and Fabs and thank you very much for your pertinent comment!

After looking at my pic I must confess you're right about the noise! Thank you very much for pointing it to me. That's what I like of forums like BPN :D I will correct it on my website.

I heard that in East North America. PM are human reliant but not on the West part...

Is there somebody who can confirm this?

Thanks again! :D

Michel