Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied. Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
Yesterday we had sleet/snow, sunshine and warmth all within an hour!! Of course my Martins showed up 2 days earlier than last season. My shrubs and trees have all went in to bloom early 3 or 4 times this winter. One day it is snowing and the next it is 72 degrees!!! My question is, with the forecast showing temps anywhere from the low to mid 30's at night and the low 50's to mid 60's during the day for the next ten days, will they be warm enough and able to find food or will they need hand warmers and eggs? (Sorry for long sentence)
I am glad my PM friends are here but it's usually been a little warmer when they arrive. I thought I read they can find insects when it is 50 degrees or more but not sure if I am remembering correctly or if the wind chill has an effect also.
Thanks in advance for thoughts and advice everyone.
Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..
If your in the 50/60's you will be in great shape..
22 year landlord..9 Rack Systems for 2018 and my home built T-8 for a total of 166 cavities..160 pair in 2018 ..SUPER COLONY!!! Love You Bev... Fan of those St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied. Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
Martin Colony History: Hosting Martins annually since 2003 in SE Louisiana. Five gourd racks, 64 Troyer Horizontal gourds with Conley II SREH entrances.
Connie, our first showed up on Jan 27 and we are now up to about a dozen. Being conditioned to accept supplemental feeding they have pretty much declined every time I went out to fling food to them. It's my experience they only take the food after about three consecutive days of no natural source availability. During the worst part of the ice and sleet storm a week ago I did see some in the feeder platform but that was the only time and that tells me they are finding food. Being you and I are just a few miles apart I would think yours are doing the same. Best wishes for a great 2014 season!
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied. Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
Thanks Lane,
I always watch for your posts since we are near each other! I have lots of family out your way. What part of Gonzales do you live in? I have people in Gonzales, St.Amant, Prairieville, Head of Island, Geismar and Sorrento.
Good luck this season and thanks for the answer to my question!
PS: Spell check tried to correct every city I named. I bet it would have really been checking me if I had started naming some of our parishes!
