I was afraid that my one pair of birds from last year didn't survive the migration. To my surprise, they showed up about a week ago and began
shopping around for a nest site. I have a 6 cavity house with two gourds hanging beneath them. I also put up 6 super gourds that were given to me when I attended a PM workshop in Austin Tx. When I walked out this morning I was amazed to hear a racket and noted that there were about 15 birds flying around and resting on my house and gourds. All in all I finally counted 7 pair of birds, most of which have taken up residence in the new gourds.
After two years with no birds, last year with 1 breeding pair, to 7 pair this year, I am ecstatic. I have already started thinking about putting up another rack of gourds for the next season
The finally arrived with friends
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Larry,
If you put up a good house and/or gourds in a good location and manage it responsibly, they will come.
You are proof of that persistence. Good job.
Congratulations.
Mark.
Small world, I grew up in Shelby, TX. You might not even know where that is. It is that small of a community.
If you put up a good house and/or gourds in a good location and manage it responsibly, they will come.
You are proof of that persistence. Good job.
Congratulations.
Mark.
Small world, I grew up in Shelby, TX. You might not even know where that is. It is that small of a community.
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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La Grange Larry
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:09 am
- Location: TX/LaGrange
Hi Mark, I do know where Shelby is. It's just about 20 minutes from my house. Before my wife passed away, we would go to Shelby twice a year,
when the Antique show was in the area. There were 3 venues in Shelby that had some vendors. It's still pretty busy when all of the vendors and their customers are in the area.
when the Antique show was in the area. There were 3 venues in Shelby that had some vendors. It's still pretty busy when all of the vendors and their customers are in the area.
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dhjohnson
- Posts: 478
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:24 pm
- Location: North Carolina/Clayton
- Martin Colony History: 5th year hostess. Currently 58 confirmed breeding pair. 218 Fledged, 35 older nestlings, 2 new nests with 8 nestlings. 100% occupancy
La Grange Larry,
Congratulations on your colony expansion! Your patience has been rewarded! Enjoy your birds and have a great year!
Debbie
Congratulations on your colony expansion! Your patience has been rewarded! Enjoy your birds and have a great year!
Debbie
Debbie Johnson
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
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Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Congratulations Larry! I know how you feel. This is our first year with a pair! We love watching them fly high up above, knowing they are our birds. 
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"