I live in Northern VA in Aldie and am looking forward to seeing my first PM. I've noticed in the forum that others in No. VA have already reported seeing PM's. Last year, they arrived here on 26 April. I don't understand why they arrive at my house so late. I keep telling myself to be patient, but can't keep the starlings and house sparrows out forever. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
WAITING ON FIRST SIGHTING
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Guest
Same thing here. Martins arrive in mid-late Feb just 20-60 miles east of me. The earliest I have ever seen them here is Mar 19. The latest I have had a returning pair arrive was on Apr 15. Today, I saw a couple of martins (the first I have seen this year in this specific area). They will likely be migrating over me for the next 3-4 weeks. At least that's the way it usually happens on my place.Tye Stone wrote: I've noticed in the forum that others in No. VA have already reported seeing PM's. Last year, they arrived here on 26 April. don't understand why they arrive at my house so late.
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Don~VA
- Posts: 391
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:01 am
- Location: Virginia/King George
- Martin Colony History: Had a colony many years ago which dwindled over a couple of years and then did not return. Kept trying each year for almost 20 years and finally had a small success in 2011 with two pairs nesting. Colony has grown slowly each year with 22 pairs in 2015. In 2016 my gourd rack of 18 gourds filled up so I added 4 more gourds and then put up a small rack of 6 gourds. All of those were claimed within a few days so I believe I have at least 25 pairs this year.
And same here Tye. I'm just south of you and have not seen or heard a single martin while others less than 5 miles away have already reported sightings. I'm just glad to see more people in our parts of VA are becoming interested in attracting martins. Good Luck to you!