7:15pm and my martin will not go inside the gourd!

[dsonyay]

7:15pm. I have a male ASY sitting on the porch of a BO-11 w/ tunnel and crescent sreh. He's been out there since just before dusk.

He poked his head in earlier and checked out another gourd. Went back to the Bo11 and has sat there for nearly an hour.

He went far enough in to where just the tail was sticking out earlier, but seems content to just sit outside. Looks like he's sleeeping now.

It's now 7:20pm and he's just sitting there on the porch. Seems almost suicidal.

My backyard security lights are on, so I can see him really well. Anyone ever have this happen?

He's my first resident for 2012 season.

[dcartwright]

I've only had this to happen later in the year when a lot of pairs have chosen their home and then a late comer arrives. The late comer ends up outside until after dark having been driven away from many attempts at entering a gourd with a pair already inside. Never had the first one show up and not go right in.

[rrmartins]

We had a female do this last year. The male went in and she just sat there till after dark. We went inside, not sure if she went in or left.

[dsonyay]

It's 7:40 now. Through the binoculars, he appears to be sleeping. The gourds are swaying back and forth in a light breeze and he seems very content.

[LDCLSU]

I had a ASY male spend the entire night on the porch of my T14 this year when early arrivals were showing up. I checked several times during the night. The next morning when I left for work he was still there.

[dsonyay]

Well I guess it does happen I thought maybe he couldn't fit inside the crescent.

I think I'm going to turn off the floodlights back there. He's lit up pretty well and I'd hate a predator to hit him. I have two decoys on the perches with him...
Anyone think the decoys have anythig to do with him staying outside?
8:30pm

[RC Moser]

My guess is he has not bonded to site yet. Only use the housing during mating season. all other times they roost out and have no need for housing. He will make up his mind sooner or later or move on IMO. I wouldn't worry about it nothing you can do anyway. I dought the decoy's have anything to do with with it. Could take them down tomorrow see what happens, but still never know for sure unless you put the back up and he doesn't go in????

[dsonyay]

What do you think about turning off the lights? I think he'll be safer if it's dark back there.

My wife says it looks like he is rocking himself on the gourd because of how it's moving.

[dsonyay]

It's 1030 and I have to go to sleep. That little guy has his head tucked under his wing and is sleeping now.

[dancingirl76]

I had the same thing happen last year but it was because the PM couldn't figure out how to go through the cresent entry. He slept outside for 2 nights. Finally his woman showed him how to go through and then he was in and out just fine

[dsonyay]

Not sure if that is the reason because he actually went inside so far, only his tail tip was sticking out. I posted a new subject with a video of his antics a few minutes ago.

I thought it may have been the SREH too, but after watching him go in and out the gourds, I realized he went in very deep for it to have been soley related to the crescent opening.

Thanks for the feedback

[Laverne]

Another point of consideration is the fact that Purple Martins live outside for at least 3/4 of the year. He'll go in when he needs to. If it makes you feel any better - I believe it is obvious he is your returning bird. Hopefully he will attract a mate soon and additional pairs will move in and your colony will grow large and productive.

Good luck for a great season!

[dsonyay]

I agree Laverne-
Here's a followup to what happened last night:

http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21662

He brought in 2 females and another male this morning.