My one pair and four fledgies stuck around for three weeks. All sleeping in the nest box until the last four days, when only Momma and two babies took the nest box, while Papa and the other two fledges flew off before dark (to the trees? to another house?)
But Papa would return every morning to nag the home birds out into the daylight. The last two days, it was only one fledge and Momma. What good parents they turned out to be. I sure hope they return next year, but I worry that they will return to their pre tornado house if it has been re-erected.
I very much enjoyed my experience, and hope I will be as blessed next year.
I owe a lot to so many of you for taking me under your wings. I do not think I could have made it on my own. Bless you all....
Meanwhile my heart goes out to all you hard-hit DONNA landlords, with a special concern for your Martins, and your colonies...
Gootta go bone up for 2009...........
My Martins finally left 5 days ago
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Fredmyyster
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:30 pm
- Location: Tennessee/ Nashville
Heck i thought it was our Breath, when do they normally leave? Ours left one day like a snap !
A lil' help ???
A lil' help ???
Empty POOLS are a Delight ! !
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The Olsons
- Posts: 3200
- Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 12:57 pm
- Location: North Padre Island, TX
Liz,
Congratulations on such a successful season with no losses
You are a great landlord and took such excellent care of your martins, I just know they will be back next year and bring many friends with them. For your fledgies to return for 3 weeks after leaving the nest is a long time; they did not want to leave Momma Liz..... Please do not be a stranger in the off season; I always enjoy reading your posts 
Astrid
Congratulations on such a successful season with no losses
You are a great landlord and took such excellent care of your martins, I just know they will be back next year and bring many friends with them. For your fledgies to return for 3 weeks after leaving the nest is a long time; they did not want to leave Momma Liz..... Please do not be a stranger in the off season; I always enjoy reading your posts Astrid
Love it or leave it~~~Astrid :-)
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hopeathome
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 2:25 pm
- Location: Fayette,Missouri
I had small colony this year but it has been a wonderful season. I have one pair and 3 fledgies left and it looks like they are going to spend another night in the nest. Today I saw the strangest thing. With just the momma and the 3 fledgies here now for days about 10 or so came back today as if to talk the fledgies into flying. Lot's of talking going on all day and then by late afternoon the last one flew! It has been a special day watching them and seeing the family support they gave each other. The momma Martin is quite a dragon fly catcher as I've seen her time and again bring a tasty looking one to the fledgies. This site has ben such a goood resource. Thanks!
Hope
Hope
Well...let's see
5 months of Martins
6 months of football (ahem, Dallas Cowboys ... T.O. will bring the popcorn)
1 month of preparing
Then....it will be March...and Life will begin again....
geezer
5 months of Martins
6 months of football (ahem, Dallas Cowboys ... T.O. will bring the popcorn)
1 month of preparing
Then....it will be March...and Life will begin again....
geezer
#PMCA #birding #birders
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birdy girl
- Posts: 1179
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:09 am
- Location: Mississippi/Dumas
Liz,
Having one pair of martins makes them very special. I had one pair for two years in a row, and I knew them almost as well as my children. Ha, Ha, but I did watch them a lot. You did a great job. The folks here are really great to help new landlords with any questions or concerns they may have. You will have more martin pairs next year. Each year will get better and better, but they first pair is very, very special.
Also thanks for all your support with my NClex test.
Having one pair of martins makes them very special. I had one pair for two years in a row, and I knew them almost as well as my children. Ha, Ha, but I did watch them a lot. You did a great job. The folks here are really great to help new landlords with any questions or concerns they may have. You will have more martin pairs next year. Each year will get better and better, but they first pair is very, very special.
Also thanks for all your support with my NClex test.
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Guest
Thank you all for the nice comments.
One pair is special; the first pair is special; and I am so glad my first pair turned out to be such good parents. (I did have my doubts about Poppa for a while.)
I missed all the day time chatter because they go elsewhere to socialize, and I believe they hung around because they were not used to colonization with no other house mates, and they did look so cute scurrying back into the nest box, and every day - the others calling to them. Since they started sleeping away individualy, I can be assured they weren't perching in fear before they were ready.
I do think next year, I will do nest checks nearly every day, so I don't suddenly find a near death runt pushed out of the nest.
In my stupidity, I thought he just "got" out there somehow. 
Looking forward to relaxing and enjoying next year as much as a second child.
One pair is special; the first pair is special; and I am so glad my first pair turned out to be such good parents. (I did have my doubts about Poppa for a while.)
I missed all the day time chatter because they go elsewhere to socialize, and I believe they hung around because they were not used to colonization with no other house mates, and they did look so cute scurrying back into the nest box, and every day - the others calling to them. Since they started sleeping away individualy, I can be assured they weren't perching in fear before they were ready.
I do think next year, I will do nest checks nearly every day, so I don't suddenly find a near death runt pushed out of the nest.
In my stupidity, I thought he just "got" out there somehow. Looking forward to relaxing and enjoying next year as much as a second child.