new to forum

[Tom and Shelley]

All, We should have given this information as our first post... we have been landlords only for three years, but a large part of our present colony has been here since 2004. Two years ago we were asked by our neighbors to take over their colony because they were moving to Florida. If the name Dan Drew rings a bell, he and his wife wanted us to take over their colony they worked so hard at starting. We felt honored, and moved his racks down to our house. We were a bit nervous about the success of moving everything about 150 feet, but the martins did not seem to mind. This is our set-up last year, with moving our small rack down to our neighbors house to spread the wealth. Dan did a wonderful job to bring the martins to our neighborhood and getting us involved, and this year we're making the jump onto the forum. If anyone thinks of it, drop him a word and let him know his hard work is still flying!!

[Dave Duit]

I think that is great that you are taking care of his martins now. One of these years you will have to say that they are your birds. Nice to see that you have set up the new arrangement in perfect order. I like the way you have transfered all the set up.

[tonyg]

Welcome to the forum..its a great place to learn about Martins.. like your set up..are you gonna add any pole guards? Or you have any problems with black snakes?

[TheCav-MO]

Always nice to hear how someone gets others started in martins. Very nice looking setup you have as well. I can imagine setting back on that deck smoking a big cigar and wathcing the martins for hours

[Laverne]

Welcome Tom and Shelley! So glad you joined in.

I remember Dan Drew and his Tree Swallow Protocol. Hello, Dan! We're still referring people with Tree Swallow problems to your solution. I hope you don't mind, I'm going to refer people to one of your last posts. I believe you were an important addition to this Forum during the years you "played" with us. Thank you, Dan. Hope you and yours are happy and well. Looks like your Purple Martin colony is doing well. Thanks Tom and Shelley for taking on the responsibility and the rewards brought by these beautiful birds. We look forward to hearing more from you.

http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... highlight=

[Peggy Riley]

What luck to have had Dan as a neighbor! Welcome!

Peggy

[Tom and Shelley]

Thanks for the kind words, Tony, right now I don't think snakes are a problem... haven't seen any black snakes around, but we do have raccoons. I will think about getting some guards. The cav-mo... no stogies, but we have killed many bottles of wine in the evenings! Laverne, Dan is a very smart man, and Peggy, the felling was mutual. As of today we still just have the one scout, but the tree swallows are in numbers, so hopefully the martins aren't far behind. We have had gorgeous weather this week, but as of tomorrow, we will have a few days of rain.
Tom

[JJ Jones]

Congratulations Tom & Shelley ! I remember Dan Drew when I was an engineer working the Indianapolis area in 2000. I'm sure he is very grateful that you are taking over the colony. Tell Dan that JJ says hello from Shelbyville. Good Luck during this upcoming season.