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Talkback: How to make a house martin nest

kathleenhelenkathleenhelen Posts: 2
in Talkback
Did you never do this as a child? Everyone knows how to papier mache a balloon!

Posts

  • kathleenhelenkathleenhelen Posts: 2
    When I first moved in to this house we regularly had 7 house martins building their nests and bringing up their chicks outside our bedroom window! Now, 24 years later, we see them but none stop to build. I'd love to try making these but wonder if the paint and glue be safe for the chicks?
  • willwardwillward Posts: 1
    Place a round balloon in a vase, pointing downwards. ??
    Am I missing something here?
    I do not understand the first sentence of Step 1.
  • homebirdhomebird Posts: 110
    This nest looks so attractive.
  • smflymansmflyman Posts: 32
    To hold the inflated balloon put the knotted end into a vase so that the dome of the balloon is supported but your hands are free to apply the papier mache - simples!
  • smflymansmflyman Posts: 32
    Just a suggestion, but rather than paint the papaertry coating it with PVA then dry fine soil. When set another coat of PVA seals the soil but it looks more realistic.
  • Sue BestwickSue Bestwick Posts: 32

    Made ten. grandchildren had great fun and made a lovely mess. Make loads cos they are a colony living bird

  • flumpy1flumpy1 Posts: 3,117

    Do you have photos ?

  • flumpy1flumpy1 Posts: 3,117

    Hey look at this made of paper Mach......

    image

     

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,509

    It is so good you people making House Martin nest boxes!  HMs are in trouble and a declining species.  Good luck with attracting them.  Alternatively, the RSPB sells nest boxes for those who don't want to make them:

     http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/house-martin-nest.html

    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
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