Does everyone in Katy/Fulshear/Richmond have martins?

[ElizWitte]

Because mine are not here yet. If there are others that haven't seen their martins, I will feel better about this. Emil made me feel better last week but they still aren't here.

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

Elizabeth, since nobody else answered, Iwill try again to ease your mind. There have not been many new arrivals recently due to the cold weather. I think that many of us that have birds also are hosting sime migrants. The martins are trying to keep warm, and are bunching up in the gourds, so they are not planning on flying furhther at this time.

I think that you will get some of your martins back when it warms up for a few days, and when the South winds start blowing. Both of those events seem to bring them in.

Another thing, it is still very early, some years I have had only 1 or 2 martins at this tim, so just hang in there, they will come.

BUT, there is one other factor that could cause your martins not to return, and that would be if you had a snake or owls that raided your colony, and your martins left before the babies all fledged. Also, a racoon could cause them to leave early. Predation would be the ONLY reason that would cause your martins not to return. If you have a snake guard, especially some netting above a short guard, then I think that you will be ok. I think the gourds that you use will help prevent owl attacks.

Again, I think that you will get some of your martins back shortly! I wish that mine would not be back, they are suffering when they go 3 days without food. good luck

[billb]

Elizabeth:

Don't feel alone! I have not seen any at my setup this season. Saw one female fly by last weekend, but that's it.

I had 10 pair last season (my first at current location) - 18 SY and 2 ASY. They did not start settling in until late March last year, but expected some of them back sooner this time. Actually, the 2 houses in my part of Katy that I know of, do not appear to have Martins yet. One was not even raised as of Saturday, and the other was quiet the time in late evening that I watched it yesterday.

Thought it would happen sooner this season, but I am not even beginning to panick - Yet!

[ElizWitte]

Thanks to both of you for making me (again) feel better. I did have the netting up for snakes (if I can figure out how to post a picture of my tomato cage/baffle set up I will post it) so no snakes last year. I did not have any babies just "disappear," didn't have any deaths on the ground. I did have a red-tailed hawk sitting on the gourds once but I don't think he got any before I scared him off. We have barred owls out here but I have the Troyer Gourds and have never seen the barred owls on the rack (I know that doesn't mean much). My set-up is out in the middle of my backyard and we have 2+ acres so . . . I agree. I'm making too much out of this. I really don't want them here suffering so I will just let y'all know when they show up. It makes me feel better that there are people in Katy without their martins. Thanks again.
E

[Guest]

Hi Elizabeth, I live near Emil. I have had many, many come and go. I have had 7 regulars since last Monday I think. But I have have had many more that seem to be passing through. Honestly, I wish they weren't here. They look tired and weak. I have been feeding and they are going to the feeder but this weather is so bad, be thankful your martins haven't had to suffer this terrible cold and wet. Don't worry. They will be make it back soon!

[Sparky]

I've got 7. But, you should feel good your's are not here yet. They look very cold and I hope they get some food soon. It's supposed to warm to 54F today and even warmer tomorrow. You should be seeing yours soon as the weather warms up.