Another wave of subbies came through this weekend. I may have picked up another pair or two.
Already have 2 pairs of subbies with nests almost complete. With the new ones comes some fighting and racket.
I'll take it!!!
Doug
Subbies still coming in! Even more today: Monday.
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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.
Last edited by Doug Martin - PA on Mon May 23, 2011 10:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
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.
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2227
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
- Location: PA/Avis
- Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
I counted an extra one this morning. Couldn't get a fix on what it was tho, as they were moving about too much. It looks like I only have 1 SY male. I had 2 for a few days, but 1 moved on. There are 4 or 5 SY females. Currently have 7 pair.
Nest building continues. This morning I watched one rip a leaf off a newly planted tomato plant.
Toy in PA
Nest building continues. This morning I watched one rip a leaf off a newly planted tomato plant.
Toy in PA
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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.
This morning was crazy! Another 8 to 10 or so all fighting over cavities.
The original ASY bird's territorries are shrinking. Those defending ajoining or multiple cavities can't keep them out. The TS with eggs on the one rack is getting pushed out. Again!
I wish I could share some of these birds with those that have been trying so hard to get them. Hardly makes sense that the same place that was empty so long is drawing so many in. 15 to 20 pair is now likely.
I probably have a Martin right now for every year I tried to get them. I usually never saw subbies until Memorial day so I know more are coming.
Yikes!
The original ASY bird's territorries are shrinking. Those defending ajoining or multiple cavities can't keep them out. The TS with eggs on the one rack is getting pushed out. Again!
I wish I could share some of these birds with those that have been trying so hard to get them. Hardly makes sense that the same place that was empty so long is drawing so many in. 15 to 20 pair is now likely.
I probably have a Martin right now for every year I tried to get them. I usually never saw subbies until Memorial day so I know more are coming.
Yikes!
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.
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2227
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
- Location: PA/Avis
- Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
Well add another one this morning. My colony was going nuts. I think I have just gotten another ASY male. I but late for a ASY, but this hasn't been a normal year.
I have room for allot more if they show up
.
Toy in PA
I have room for allot more if they show up
.Toy in PA
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Hanover Bill
- Posts: 657
- Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 3:10 pm
- Location: Pennsylvania/Hanover Township
- Martin Colony History: 2009 & 10 - 0
2011 & 12 - Visitors
2013 - 2 pr. fledged 9
2014 - 3 pr. fledged 13
2015 - 7 pr. fledged 27
2016 - 15 pr. fledged 72
Hi Doug;
Great news about your colony, sounds like you are being paid back in one season, for all of those years of trying. Anyone that waited as long as you did certainly deserves your long awaited success.
Still no action here. It's amazing that none of those subbies has made a wrong turn and ended up at my site, but I'm still holding out hope.
I have had more of a variety of birds in my back yard this year than I ever remember. Everything from a Pileated Woodpecker to the usual Tree Swallows, Bluebirds, etc. That's what makes it all the more surprising that I have been unable to attract any Martins yet. Must just not be anywhere near a flyway.
Continued success to you, reading your posts keeps my hopes alive.
Hanover Bill.
Great news about your colony, sounds like you are being paid back in one season, for all of those years of trying. Anyone that waited as long as you did certainly deserves your long awaited success.
Still no action here. It's amazing that none of those subbies has made a wrong turn and ended up at my site, but I'm still holding out hope.
I have had more of a variety of birds in my back yard this year than I ever remember. Everything from a Pileated Woodpecker to the usual Tree Swallows, Bluebirds, etc. That's what makes it all the more surprising that I have been unable to attract any Martins yet. Must just not be anywhere near a flyway.
Continued success to you, reading your posts keeps my hopes alive.
Hanover Bill.
2009 & 10 - 0
2011 & 12 - Visitors
2013 - 2 pr. fledged 9
2014 - 3 pr. fledged 13
2015 - 7 pr. fledged 27
2016 - 15 pr. fledged 72
2011 & 12 - Visitors
2013 - 2 pr. fledged 9
2014 - 3 pr. fledged 13
2015 - 7 pr. fledged 27
2016 - 15 pr. fledged 72
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bwenger
- Posts: 1057
- Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:24 pm
- Location: Pennsylvania/Espyville/Pymatuning Reservoir Area
- Martin Colony History: Taking care of 11 active public colonies and trying to start two more in northwestern PA. Also attempting to restart another one in southwestern PA, in Collier Township's Hilltop Park. In 2017, not sure what happened but the ASY male returned and then a couple of weeks later he was gone. It could have been weather related. No other birds showed up. I had a starling nesting at the Public site that I had trouble getting rid of.
In 2018, we fledged 629 martins at all of the sites.
Doug,
It's great to hear that you are getting this many birds. As Bill said, you are being rewarded for those 28 or so years (?) of trying to attract them. You deserve every bird that comes in.
Good luck,
Bill
It's great to hear that you are getting this many birds. As Bill said, you are being rewarded for those 28 or so years (?) of trying to attract them. You deserve every bird that comes in.
Good luck,
Bill
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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.
Thanks Guys,
Most all these birds have stayed and are setting up shop.
Amazing to watch in the morning. Evertime things get settled more show up and it starts all over again.
Simply unbelievable.
Doug
Most all these birds have stayed and are setting up shop.
Amazing to watch in the morning. Evertime things get settled more show up and it starts all over again.
Simply unbelievable.
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.
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Ryan
- Posts: 308
- Joined: Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:19 pm
- Location: Eganville, Ontario
- Martin Colony History: Visitors are rare. On the northern edge of the martins range.
Is everything still behind in terms of past years timelines?
I know the year started off slightly behind for most. I'm wondering if it's still a little late.
I know the year started off slightly behind for most. I'm wondering if it's still a little late.
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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.
Ryan,
It is a strange year. Seems they all are. Usually you would have a staggered nesting taking place. The early birds would already be on eggs. Some would be hatched already even.
This year seems all is happening late and all at one time. My subbies are building the same time as ASY birds.
The last few years it was amazing how many SY's showed up in June. The bulk of them did.
I would expect the same this year. A bumper crop of them is still expected.
Doug
It is a strange year. Seems they all are. Usually you would have a staggered nesting taking place. The early birds would already be on eggs. Some would be hatched already even.
This year seems all is happening late and all at one time. My subbies are building the same time as ASY birds.
The last few years it was amazing how many SY's showed up in June. The bulk of them did.
I would expect the same this year. A bumper crop of them is still expected.
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.
Doug, send some of those martins back my way.you have so many because they got lost and missed my house.(Lol) now on a serious note.(Unless u want to send some back) I know just what you mean last few days iv picked up 3 new sy pair. And I try to count and its impossible. Iv come to the conclusion that I'm really not going to know how many pairs I have until I get eggs. But I have counted 14 nest.
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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.
Sounds like we are both on the same track. I think that's about where I am as of today. Somewhere between 14-18 pair. Last week was 10-12 pair with 10 nests at check.
Still think there are a bunch coming yet.
Doug
Still think there are a bunch coming yet.
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.
After 28 years I'll give that an AMEN! I'm so glad you finally got some martins. I don't know that I"ll wait that long.You deserve every bird that comes in.
The sheer let down every year for that long would be enough to make me old. Can't imagine how happy you must be every day when you look out the window.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
Hi Doug,
I am experiencing the same thing you all in Pennsylvania are. MANY SUBBIES!! There are fights most of the day, and several of them are setting up housekeeping. They seem to be pairing off very quickly.
One problem, though, and that is that the eggs in existing nests seem to be getting little dents in them. I don't know if it is from the fighting, but I would suspect it is.
I don't know what to do about it --- I am sure they won't hatch.
Any ideas?
Sue P
I am experiencing the same thing you all in Pennsylvania are. MANY SUBBIES!! There are fights most of the day, and several of them are setting up housekeeping. They seem to be pairing off very quickly.
One problem, though, and that is that the eggs in existing nests seem to be getting little dents in them. I don't know if it is from the fighting, but I would suspect it is.
I don't know what to do about it --- I am sure they won't hatch.
Any ideas?
Sue P
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Ryan
- Posts: 308
- Joined: Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:19 pm
- Location: Eganville, Ontario
- Martin Colony History: Visitors are rare. On the northern edge of the martins range.
Thanks Doug. I was wondering what to expect, and don't have much contact around this area with active colonies.
The SY male that visited my site often last season was first seen May 27 of last year. I would have expected him back earlier, but who knows. Lots of factors at play.
That was the only bird I had seen all of last year, so my eggs are quite literally, in one basket so to speak.
Hopefully there's a bumper crop of SY's heading to the northern range, in case the one from last year has moved on, or didn't make migration. I have the dawnsong on 10 hours a day, which I did last year as well.
The SY male that visited my site often last season was first seen May 27 of last year. I would have expected him back earlier, but who knows. Lots of factors at play.
That was the only bird I had seen all of last year, so my eggs are quite literally, in one basket so to speak.
Hopefully there's a bumper crop of SY's heading to the northern range, in case the one from last year has moved on, or didn't make migration. I have the dawnsong on 10 hours a day, which I did last year as well.
Doug Martin - Fombell Pa wrote:Ryan,
It is a strange year. Seems they all are. Usually you would have a staggered nesting taking place. The early birds would already be on eggs. Some would be hatched already even.
This year seems all is happening late and all at one time. My subbies are building the same time as ASY birds.
The last few years it was amazing how many SY's showed up in June. The bulk of them did.
I would expect the same this year. A bumper crop of them is still expected.
Doug
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Martin man RI
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2003 7:04 pm
- Location: MA/RI area
After years of very few Martins. The mild weather has given us here
in Southern New England A large number of Martins SY are moving to gourds
that have been empty since 2005. I have one site i cannot take any more
birds 40 units are all taken. First time ever. And the SY are pouring in like
I have never seen. I feel bad but these late birds will have to move north
prime sites and prime units are very few and far between.
Ray
in Southern New England A large number of Martins SY are moving to gourds
that have been empty since 2005. I have one site i cannot take any more
birds 40 units are all taken. First time ever. And the SY are pouring in like
I have never seen. I feel bad but these late birds will have to move north
prime sites and prime units are very few and far between.
Ray