Hello all, since I last posted, it appears my new site is well on it's way. As of this morning I now have two ASY pairs in my yard! I believe the new pair I picked up yesterday got tired of trying to go back to their house from last year that my neighbor has let get over run with HOSP and Starlings. Every time I saw this pair try to light on that house, they were swarmed by S&S. I think they have wised up and realized it is much safer in the Smith yard! I have been catching the fire out of sparrows. Over the last two days I have not seen a single one even land on my gourd rack. All in all, I've probably eliminated around 40 of them over the last month. I know they will try again, but I will be ready. It sure is nice to see my rack begin to have a purple glow to it again! Keep up the faith all who are trying. Don't give up, it's all worth it. Steve
PS The subbies are beginning to arrive here. A little early but I have seen a female and male at my site a couple of times over the last week.
No pics AP. I need to get my camera fixed so I can do that. Maybe this weekend I can remember to get it done. My site is not ideal in reference to trees. I have two oaks on both sides about 20 feet from my rack. But I have noticed over the years pm's here tend to violate the standard rules of space requirements. I think due in large part to the large numbers we get here competing for nest sites. But especially when they find a site like mine that is kept clean of S&S, then they feel safe and thrive. The largest colony I know of in town here has about 4 racks up with about 50 gourds literally has trees growing over one of the rack. This colony belongs to a friend and is very old so my guess is when he started, there were no large trees but over the years they have grown over it and since the pm's have always nested safely there, they continue to come and fill them up each year. Anyway, just a side note. Good luck, the subbies will be on their way soon! Steve
I have been catching the fire out of sparrows. Over the last two days I have not seen a single one even land on my gourd rack. All in all, I've probably eliminated around 40 of them over the last month. I know they will try again, but I will be ready. It sure is nice to see my rack begin to have a purple glow to it again! Keep up the faith all who are trying. Don't give up, it's all worth it. Steve