NEVER GIVE UP

[J Getting]

I had my doubts if I would ever tell this story.

The first year I was introduced to Martins was in 1993 and that was the last year I had them! I put up a trio house in the back yard and within the first couple of weeks I had 2 pair. Both pairs had little ones, and then a storm came, blowing the pole over. So I up-righted the pole and changed the wet nest with new straw but a few days later I noticed the Martins acting funny and I found the nests empty. Evidently the parents took the dead babies out. I was so angry that I took the house down and put it in the garage for the remaining year.
My wife convinced me that I wouldn't get martins with the house still in the garage. So the following spring I put the house back up. I would get visiting birds that raised my hopes but I had no occupants. And since the martin population in our small town had dwindled down to very few birds,
even the lookers were far and few between.

I then discovered the PMCA forum and each night I would read everything I could about Purple Martins. Throughout the next 12 years, I added another house, cut down 2 huge Maple trees, enlarged the compartments, put up decoys, played the Dawn song, added old nest from another colony, tried the mud trick and added interior mirrors. Even with all this effort, nothing seemed to work.
From reading what others had posted on the forum, I became pretty knowledgable, and could talk at length and give advice about my favorite bird. While I was still hoping for birds, I helped 3 guys pick the best locations to put up their houses, when to supplement crickets on cold rainy days, keep the sparrow population down and to do regular nest checks. All three now have established colonies

This year, a mentee suggested turning my martin house to face a more open fly way. I really thought that turning my houses on the multi-purpose pole would be too much work. But what he said made sense and I had tried almost everything else so we turned the house and anxiously waited for the scouts and subbies this spring. After 19 years of wishing and hoping, I finally got my first pair!
I didn't want to post this until I felt confident that they would stay but there are eggs in the nest and I even have subbies interested in a couple of gourds.
Now my hope is to stay a landlord for the next 20 years.

For all you purple martin landlord-wan-a-be's... NEVER GIVE UP!!

[flyin-lowe]

Congrats. There is nothing like opening that house and seeing eggs for the very first time. Hopefully you can get a few more pair this year yo better your odds of them returning next year.

[R Onnen]

Well said!!! And here in Grundy Center, you have really helped alot of people, helping the population in GC to, AT LEAST, double. I, for, one want to Thank You for ALL the help you have given me in 4 years, and I grew to LOVE these birds as much as you do. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, JIM, I will never forget all you have done, while We prayed that you would get MARTINS!!!!I was lucky to get them my 1st year, now you have 'em too
Thanks Again!!! Rod

[DebA]

That is so cool!! My favorite line is I could talk at length and give advice about my favorite bird. I can too. Sometimes I get real interest, other times I can sense they are just being polite. I try not to bore but I find that I cannot shut up about them or hide my obsession. I'm happy for you and that you shared. Sounds like you have a smart wife, by the way, and she has a dedicated and patient husband.
Take care and enjoy!
Deb

[Doug Martin - PA]

Jim,

Great story. Also one that hits close to home. I know how you feel and wish you continued success.

Don't let anything happen to your first pairs and they will come to your site like crazy.

They know a good thing when they see it.

Doug

[DornCounty]

congrats.. great story!!!

[Laverne]

Wow! Congratulations, Jim!!

Great story! You have my best wishes for a successful season and many more to come in the future.

Good luck!

[razman]

AWESOME....way to stick with it, and now it is paying off for you! Congrats...