Good morning, I have read allot about the southern Martin landlords but not much at all about what the north landlords in Michigan are experiencing. How has your season ended up? Did your birds return from the previous year? Is your colony growing?
My uncle has a colony going in the thumb of michigan right on the water on Lake Huron. He has two full houses, built a Northstar 8 cavity house for his sun across the street, that's full now and he also built the same house for another neighbor who hung 4 gourds around the base and his housing is all full too. Superior success and my uncle said he's done nothing special to attract them but put up housing. That's only one success story that I have personally seen but I would like to hear about other Michiganders experiences. Have a great day. :0)
Michigan Martin Landlords
Neal, very happy to report that it has been a very successful season here in southern lower Michigan, although one of the toughest I have experienced in 16 years. First Martin arrived March 3lst with temps in low 20's. Used the feeding tray many, many times this season. Then the Coopers Hawk showed up. Took three Martins, one each evening, while I was under the rack. Actually went over and around me. Thus, I've sat out with a 40 cal. Glock pointed in the air (solely for the loud explosion as a deterrent).
I have two racks with a combined total of 36 gourds and a trio house. Fledging started on June 27th and continues. Should have approx. 185 fledge if all goes well. This is the first year that that we had l00% occupancy (even added 5 gourds). Painful to observe Martins trying to get a room and there was no vacancy.
Don't give up. Other landlords in this area have had a good year. All these Martins will be back in Michigan next year looking for a home.
I have two racks with a combined total of 36 gourds and a trio house. Fledging started on June 27th and continues. Should have approx. 185 fledge if all goes well. This is the first year that that we had l00% occupancy (even added 5 gourds). Painful to observe Martins trying to get a room and there was no vacancy.
Don't give up. Other landlords in this area have had a good year. All these Martins will be back in Michigan next year looking for a home.