Don't give up!

[ronpar]

Hello to all....have been reading on here for a few weeks to get some much needed help/support. Thanx so much for all the available info. I am brand new to PMs and my wife bought me an S&K 16 hole (now converted to 12) house after i hinted last year that i was interested. I threw it up on April 15, initially on a fiberglass pole which i didn't like so much. After a few other ideas, i finally purchased a telescoping pole and was much happier. I waited for what seemed like forever but on May 1, I saw my first crew of PMs, 3 pair of ASY..which came and went within a few minutes. Several other pair stopped in daily for about a week than all visitors stopped coming after about a week of nonstop action. A few days passed, and i was sad...thinking my chances were gone. On May 17, the subbies attacked my sight daily...and to make a shorter tale, the past eve...2 pair plus one spare (unknown sex) have spent the night. I have seen a few fly downs to earth to grab small pine needles/leaves but no real nest building. Hoping today that that changes. I have seen as many as 8 martins on/near the house at once and is absolutely thrilling!! Location is southern Ohio, pretty much on the river. My pole/house is about 120 yards to rivers' edge. I work midnights, so am anxious to see what goes on today..!!

[TammyBears]

I'm so very happy for you! It is thrilling when you first see them and then to have them stay the night, that's awesome. I wish you all the best in establishing your colony!

[KathyF]

Congratulations, Ron!

It sounds like you will have martins this year. Good job on converting your house to larger compartments. If you haven't already, you might consider putting predator guards on your pole to keep your new colony safe.

Good luck this season!

[ronpar]

Thanx, Tammy and Kathy. I did have a tree swallow onslaught the first few days but another quick pole with 2 gourds made them a home. I also have 2 gourds on a rack below the house. Actually, it wasn't until these gourds went up that I had any visitors (for all that are trying for first pair). Looks like today 3 nests being prepped. Yay!

[jr 2]

i'am down here close too the fairgrounds about 5 country blocks from the river;i was thinking being close too the river would be a big help in attracting them;wanted too wish you good luck with your new hobby;;jr2

[Sue P]

I was so happy to see that you put some gourds up. I know when i was trying to attract our first martins, gourds were what did the trick. Good for you! Hope you have great luck this year!

Sue P

[Ed Pace]

I bet that river area carries a lot of birds,it sounds like your off to a good start. Good luck on the rest of the season.
Welcome to the forum. Ed

[ronpar]

Thank you everyone for the kind wishes. Would not have had a clue without your help. Jr2, I saw you were from proctorville. Nice to have a local...lol. I am in Addison, just below the power plants (Cheshire)