After our first nesting last year, with three fledged, we were elated to have martins return this year. There seem to be 11 birds now, including two adult males, two adult females, two SY females, and the rest probably SY males. There have been at least 5 every day for two weeks. It's been 10 days since I first saw them carry in green leaves.
Four days ago three gourds had green leaves. Today there's all kinds of activity. Two or three birds were carrying in sticks. But when I looked in, there were still no eggs. Now four gourds with green leaves, but not very many, and not very fresh looking. One gourd has some mud inside that wasn't there four days ago. But why haven't they laid eggs?
So I'm wondering if these birds are going to really nest or if they're just doing something else entirely.
I can't help fretting about this. What do you experienced landlords think is going on?
What are they waiting for?
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Diane Porter
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:30 am
- Location: Iowa
Diane Porter
Fairfield, Iowa
Fairfield, Iowa
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DebA
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 7:43 am
- Location: Pratt County/Kansas
- Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.
Just as I told you birds were coming (aha I was right!) they will nest anyday now. Mine have been egg laying at varying speed. But as soon as the first two got started BAM! they are all getting started now. So hold your breath a few more days.
I am not this much of a know it all usually. Usually cause I am wrong. But not about this! I promise!
Deb
I am not this much of a know it all usually. Usually cause I am wrong. But not about this! I promise!
Deb
PMCA MEMBER
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR
Pratt County, Kansas
2016 34 PAIR
2015 27 PAIR
2014 23 PAIR
2013 13 PAIR
2012 6 PAIR
2011 4 PAIR
2010 2 PAIR
2009 1 PAIR
They are running just a bit late this year. An Amish friend of mine that had 52 pairs last year and most of them are back, just found his first egg this morning. He heard a male dawn singing early this morning and saw which rack he was on and checked it while I was there. I have lots of green leaves and of yesterday no eggs yet. Don't worry, they are on their way.
2009 One ASY pair 5 eggs 5 fledged 2010 2 pair 5 fledged 2011 8 pair 27 fledged 2012 14 pair 38 fledged
2013 20 pair 64 fledged 2014 19 pair fledged 84 2015 26 pair fledged 124 2016 36 pair fledged 156 2017 40 pair fledged 156
PMCA member
2013 20 pair 64 fledged 2014 19 pair fledged 84 2015 26 pair fledged 124 2016 36 pair fledged 156 2017 40 pair fledged 156
PMCA member
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Diane Porter
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:30 am
- Location: Iowa
thanks for all the good advice. You make me not so worried.
Diane Porter
Fairfield, Iowa
Fairfield, Iowa
They're waiting for you to pull your hair out! Mine just started laying Friday, and have been nest building and bringing in green leaves for a month. I'm now bald headed!
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
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Diane Porter
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:30 am
- Location: Iowa
Tony, congratulations! You finally have eggs, after all these years of waiting! And who needs hair anyway?
Diane Porter
Fairfield, Iowa
Fairfield, Iowa