This the ninth season that Paul and I are landlords in TN. What happened this afternoon is almost unbelievable!
It was a beautiful day, and we were working outside. At this early stage of the season, we do not have all cavities open so we can provide heating for our earliest arrivals if needed, and keep a close eye on starling activity.
Last night two pair of martins came in for the night. About 1:30 this afternoon, one would have thought subbies arrived. All chaos broke out as males were fighting to the ground for cavities. I had to rush to the garage for the ladder, lower both racks and remove pool noodle plugs. Martins were everywhere!
Tonight, both Paul and myself can honestly verify that we have at least 14 (and we suspect a few more) in for the night. I can also verify that seven of them are females. Not all females are paired and if some enter gourds and a male tries to enter, the male is met with her wrath and gaping. This is crazy! Never in our experience were unplugging cavities considered an emergency situation until today.
Our racks are still lowered and clamped so they will not carousel, as we are due to have storms again tomorrow. For the benefit of some of our newest landlords, I would like to mention, lower height makes absolutely no difference to the martins, as long as their cavities do not change direction. Up and down does NOT matter, side to side DOES!
I have read reports from other landlords especially in TX that are reporting the same. Other reports from LA indicate the same influx of martins.
Get ready, cause they are coming.......... and they are coming really fast.
ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE..
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Linda Reynolds
- Posts: 1308
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 8:33 pm
- Location: Adamsville, TN
Ever-Grateful,
Linda
Linda
WOW!!!!
Thats great Linda...I am in Jackson, not to far up the road from you.
I havent seen or heard any yet.
I spent today attaching tunnels to some of my gourds.
Plan on getting a few up tomorrow, but wont have them all ready for
probably a week or 2.
I usually get martins around March 20th.
I guess I need to get on the ball, they may come early here to.
Thats great Linda...I am in Jackson, not to far up the road from you.
I havent seen or heard any yet.
I spent today attaching tunnels to some of my gourds.
Plan on getting a few up tomorrow, but wont have them all ready for
probably a week or 2.
I usually get martins around March 20th.
I guess I need to get on the ball, they may come early here to.
2012 - 23 pair
2011 - 15 pair
2010 - 6 pair
2009 - 5 pair
2008 - 1 pair
2007 - 0
2006 - 0
2011 - 15 pair
2010 - 6 pair
2009 - 5 pair
2008 - 1 pair
2007 - 0
2006 - 0
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Guest
Linda, the news of this influx is certainly good to hear. Due to the storms coming our way tomorrow I have lowered one rack and will lower the other tomorrow after church. Most of my cavities are plugged up, but I will open them all up tomorrow. Thanks for this report!
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Linda,
Have fun with those wild arrivals! Glad your valentine girl has some company.
Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
Linda,
We always read your post with great attention. What an asset you are to the P.M. world.
Last year (2010) was our first year as successful landlords. We have been faithful to the PMCA web site on an almost daily basis for the past year. (And yes, we do have a PMCA membership). We have read & re-read the archives....I think I have gone back to about 2 years reading the past post on the "Forum". Knowledge is POWER!
I can recognize the names of the truly faithful "posters" compared to those who just post during the active season. I have learned so much but I feel certain that a point will come that I will panic and post a question instead of taking the time to "look up" the answer that is already available. That is what is so great about all of you...you share your knowledge with all of us "newbies". Last year "Birdie Girl" talked us through a "jumper" situation! We thank you "B.G."! You made us more responsible landlords! Note: Prior to last year and the PMCA website a "jumper" was a style of dress that I wore as a young girl!
RE: Exciting activity in E. TX - This morning we watched 2 ASY males & 2 (yr? we are new and still learning!) females preening on the porches of our Quad Pod (8 boxes). All afternoon as many as 8 birds checked out our housing. We also have a new Gemini system (installed Oct. '10) with 12 BO 11 gourds. The bluebirds are fighting the P.M.'s off of this new housing. (Yes, we do have boxes out for the BB's). This evening we watched 3 ASY males & 1 female camp out in the Quod Pod for the evening.
I too am greatful! 2nd year landlords with 4 birds in late February....
Thank you Linda for all you do!
With sincere regards, Tammy Winger
We always read your post with great attention. What an asset you are to the P.M. world.
Last year (2010) was our first year as successful landlords. We have been faithful to the PMCA web site on an almost daily basis for the past year. (And yes, we do have a PMCA membership). We have read & re-read the archives....I think I have gone back to about 2 years reading the past post on the "Forum". Knowledge is POWER!
I can recognize the names of the truly faithful "posters" compared to those who just post during the active season. I have learned so much but I feel certain that a point will come that I will panic and post a question instead of taking the time to "look up" the answer that is already available. That is what is so great about all of you...you share your knowledge with all of us "newbies". Last year "Birdie Girl" talked us through a "jumper" situation! We thank you "B.G."! You made us more responsible landlords! Note: Prior to last year and the PMCA website a "jumper" was a style of dress that I wore as a young girl!
RE: Exciting activity in E. TX - This morning we watched 2 ASY males & 2 (yr? we are new and still learning!) females preening on the porches of our Quad Pod (8 boxes). All afternoon as many as 8 birds checked out our housing. We also have a new Gemini system (installed Oct. '10) with 12 BO 11 gourds. The bluebirds are fighting the P.M.'s off of this new housing. (Yes, we do have boxes out for the BB's). This evening we watched 3 ASY males & 1 female camp out in the Quod Pod for the evening.
I too am greatful! 2nd year landlords with 4 birds in late February....
Thank you Linda for all you do!
With sincere regards, Tammy Winger
Chet & Tammy Winger
PMCA Members
PMCA Members
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MingjoMartins
- Posts: 312
- Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:28 pm
- Location: Pataskala, OH
Linda - That is fantastic news, glad your season is starting off with a bang!
I'm chuckling now though as we regularly visit friends we have in TN, and it is a fairly quick and easy six hour drive for us from Ohio. Unfortunately our martin friends don't drive, so I have a few weeks to wait here in Ohio!
If there is one thing this hobby has taught me, it's that patience is not one of my strong suits!
Have a fun season and keep us all posted!
John
I'm chuckling now though as we regularly visit friends we have in TN, and it is a fairly quick and easy six hour drive for us from Ohio. Unfortunately our martin friends don't drive, so I have a few weeks to wait here in Ohio!
If there is one thing this hobby has taught me, it's that patience is not one of my strong suits!
Have a fun season and keep us all posted!
John
2013 - 37 pair-179 eggs,142 hatched,139 fledged
2012 - 32 pair-163 eggs,141 hatched,134 fledged
2011 - 19 pairs - 78 fledged successfully!
2010 3 pairs - 9 eggs - 8 fledged!
2009 - 1 Sub Adult Male (only) - LOTS visitors
2008 - 58 Visitors by year end
2007 - 13 Visitors by year end
2012 - 32 pair-163 eggs,141 hatched,134 fledged
2011 - 19 pairs - 78 fledged successfully!
2010 3 pairs - 9 eggs - 8 fledged!
2009 - 1 Sub Adult Male (only) - LOTS visitors
2008 - 58 Visitors by year end
2007 - 13 Visitors by year end
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Steve Kroenke
- Posts: 4342
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2003 6:49 pm
- Location: Louisiana/Logansport
Hey Linda,
Thanks for sharing that great news! Rather than trickling in martins seem to be coming in mobs in some locations! We have seen bunches of martins arriving at our colonies too. I have given up trying to count them but we probably have close to a hundred right now. Vicious fighting is occurring with males falling to the ground and continuing to battle right there.
No telling what is going to occur when all those mischievous SY males start arriving and getting into trouble!
I hope you have a wonderful martin season.
Steve
Thanks for sharing that great news! Rather than trickling in martins seem to be coming in mobs in some locations! We have seen bunches of martins arriving at our colonies too. I have given up trying to count them but we probably have close to a hundred right now. Vicious fighting is occurring with males falling to the ground and continuing to battle right there.
No telling what is going to occur when all those mischievous SY males start arriving and getting into trouble!
I hope you have a wonderful martin season.
Steve
PMCA Member
300+ pairs of martins each season
300+ pairs of martins each season
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Tim Mangan-Kansas
- Posts: 1728
- Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
- Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
- Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair
Linda:
Nice report. That is amazing to go from four to fourteen martins overnight, especially this early in the season for you and Paul. Those martins know they will be well taken care of at your place and are anxious to return to get a cavity for the nesting season.
Do you and Paul have a move date established?
Tim
Nice report. That is amazing to go from four to fourteen martins overnight, especially this early in the season for you and Paul. Those martins know they will be well taken care of at your place and are anxious to return to get a cavity for the nesting season.
Do you and Paul have a move date established?
Tim
Licensed Bander
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
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Bill Pec
- Posts: 545
- Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 9:21 am
- Location: Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia
- Martin Colony History: 2010- 2 pr. Fledged 6
2011- 20 pr. Fledged 75
2012- 35 pr. Fledged 143
2013- 37 pr. Fledged 153
2014- 40 pr. Fledged 198
2015- 40 pr. Fledged 183
2016- 42 pr. Fledged 189
2017- 42 pr. Fledged 168
2018- 43 pr. Fledged 172
2019- 43 pr. Fledged 193
2020 -44 pr. Fledged 181
2021 -43 pr. Fledged 184
2022 - 40 pr. Fledged 160
2023 - 39 pr. Fledged 151
2024 - 40 pr. Fledged 154
Linda,
EXCITING
Enjoy the passion,
Bill
EXCITING
Enjoy the passion,
Bill
THE MORE ONE LEARNS THE MORE ONE SEES! While the ignorant person sees only a blackbird the enlightened person sees a Purple Martin.
2010- 2 pr. 6 fledged, + many visitors
2011- 20 pr. 75 fledged,
2012- 35 pr. 143 fledged
2013- 37 pr. 153 fledged
2014- 40 pr. 198 fledged
2015- 40 pr. 183 fledged
2016- 42 pr. 189 Fledged
2010- 2 pr. 6 fledged, + many visitors
2011- 20 pr. 75 fledged,
2012- 35 pr. 143 fledged
2013- 37 pr. 153 fledged
2014- 40 pr. 198 fledged
2015- 40 pr. 183 fledged
2016- 42 pr. 189 Fledged
Happy for you Linda.
I couldn't take it!
I believe that would be enough to give me a heart attack!
May the summer weather be good to you & your martins
I couldn't take it!
I believe that would be enough to give me a heart attack!
May the summer weather be good to you & your martins
Tony
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
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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.
That's wonderful news Linda. I can't imagine the excitement that caused. Just think what your colony might be like a month from now :-)
Don~Northern Neck of Virginia-PMCA Member
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
Yowza! Very exciting Linda - it's very cold, drizzly & dreary here, so even though I hope none show up here for a few more weeks, your excitement is contagious!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing the news!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing the news!
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
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Jeff Robinson
- Posts: 908
- Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 3:32 pm
- Location: Rogersville, Missouri
- Martin Colony History: 2008 - Current
72 Cavities - 70 Pairs in 2021
PM Mentor
Good things couldn't happen to a better person Linda. And thanks for continuously reminding us about lowering our systems for storms. Prior to one of your posts last year, I wasn't really sure about that - whether it would affect the Martins or not. One of my poles is quite a bit smaller than the other 2 inch square poles I have, so I now feel comfortable Not raising it any higher than I feel comfortable during the entire season, much less lowering it even more when severe storms are in the forecast.
Talk to you soon!
Jeff
Talk to you soon!
Jeff
PMCA Member - Bedrock Colony