janetm@kean.ucs.mun.ca (12/01/90)
I am interested in attracting insect-eating birds to a summer property in Newfoundland. There are no purple martins on the island, so I think my best bets are fly catchers and swallows. The property is in a sheltered valley, with lots of brush and some open fields, and some mountain ash and larch trees. There are lots of finches and chickedees around now (that is this summer past). The insect problem is very bad in summer, and I don't want to use chemicals. Any advice on bird houses or anything else that would attract insect-eating birds would be appreciated. I'm also interested in getting more dragon flies to hang around, but this probably isn't the place to discuss that. E-mail or post and I'll summarize if there's enough interest. Thanks, Janet
janetm@kean.ucs.mun.ca (12/13/90)
I am interested in attracting insect-eating birds to some land in rural Newfoundland. The site is basically boreal forest, but it is in a valley sheltered enough to support some deciduous trees. There is a pond nearby and some open fields, and lots of brush. There is also a good supply of every man-eating insect in the northern hemisphere. I plan to garden, but will not be using any chemicals that might harm birds. From what I can gather, my best bet is to try to attract tree swallows and olive sided fly catchers. We don't get purple martins in Newfoundland (darn it). Swallows are not common like they are on the mainland of North America. If anyone can give me information about nesting sites, nesting boxes, or means of attracting these birds I'd be very grateful. We will be doing extensive work on the site, though much will be left undisturbed, and I'll add anything that might make these birds feel at home. There are lots of finches and chickadees around. We only got the place in August, and I didn't have a chance to look at the birds closely, except to notice a large family grouping of ravens. Thanks in advance, Janet