My first martin of this new upcoming season....
-
Chuck4
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
- Location: North MS
- Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.
2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).
I wonder what percentage of landlords actually report when their martins first arrive? I guess it would be hard to know.
PMCA Member
_____
_____
-
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.
Mike,
I am so excited for you and the rest of the martin community.
I text my sister in Sequin, TX who has a colony 1/4 mile from Tony Frederickson's super colony. Tony was 2014's first recorded landlord.
I agree with you that there are likely other martins in the same area that you are in.
My opinion is based upon my sister's experience last year. She confirmed an ASY purple martin of the opposite sex at her colony within the immediate time period as Tony. She was scared to report the second martin of 2014 as a "new" landlord because of the questioning she would have received from seasoned landlords.
Bottom line, everyone in your area and southern latitude of major flyways need to be on the look out.
Mark.
I am so excited for you and the rest of the martin community.
I text my sister in Sequin, TX who has a colony 1/4 mile from Tony Frederickson's super colony. Tony was 2014's first recorded landlord.
I agree with you that there are likely other martins in the same area that you are in.
My opinion is based upon my sister's experience last year. She confirmed an ASY purple martin of the opposite sex at her colony within the immediate time period as Tony. She was scared to report the second martin of 2014 as a "new" landlord because of the questioning she would have received from seasoned landlords.
Bottom line, everyone in your area and southern latitude of major flyways need to be on the look out.
Mark.
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.
-
Punky
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2014 11:24 am
- Location: FL/Viera
- Martin Colony History: Started colony in 2006 with 8 houses. Added 4 gourds in 2007. Currently have 16 houses and 8 gourds.
Congratulations Mike!!! I live a few miles up the road from you and am very excited now. Enjoy the season!!!
Vickie a.k.a. Punky
Vickie a.k.a. Punky
-
Anthony Neira
- Posts: 1319
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:12 pm
- Location: San Antonio /Texas
- Martin Colony History: Started in 1992 From neighbors old 1950-60's colonies. Have 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 4 MPP Poles, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals ,& 2 S&K 11" WITH Troyer Porches ready for 2019 Season !
Hey Mark ! That's good to know ! My first one should get here around Jan. 28 th, but like you say, you'll never know 
best to be ready for a surprise! Still , I rather have a Martin surprise than a people one, ANY Day ! 
best to be ready for a surprise! Still , I rather have a Martin surprise than a people one, ANY Day ! PMCA Member, 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals + Tunnels, & 2 S&K Bo 11"s WITH Troyer Porches ! 4 MPPs, For 2019 Season !! Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.
Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.-
Mike Dingman
- Posts: 181
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:03 pm
- Location: Florida/Melbourne
Punky:
I was on the golf course early this morning, the wind was blowing hard from the south, and still is. We are to have a cold front later tonight and the south wind will stop, but I bet there are hundreds of martins in Florida right now because of that strong south wind we have been having today.
I didn't see our new female this morning because of the golf, but my wife said she was here, cirlcling a little audible now and then, but like I said earlier, they are very quiet when they are early and alone.
And Chuck4, your right, if everyone who has martins, recorded info. to the PMCA, it would really give them a more complete picture of what is actuallly happening with the martin population...
I was on the golf course early this morning, the wind was blowing hard from the south, and still is. We are to have a cold front later tonight and the south wind will stop, but I bet there are hundreds of martins in Florida right now because of that strong south wind we have been having today.
I didn't see our new female this morning because of the golf, but my wife said she was here, cirlcling a little audible now and then, but like I said earlier, they are very quiet when they are early and alone.
And Chuck4, your right, if everyone who has martins, recorded info. to the PMCA, it would really give them a more complete picture of what is actuallly happening with the martin population...
-
Mike Dingman
- Posts: 181
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:03 pm
- Location: Florida/Melbourne
It's Thursday morning, Christmas, I'm out on the back porch, the smoker is going well, I'm in my shorts and tee shirt, 70 degrees. Then I see her, and she is getting closer to the gourd rack, she lands, on Super gourd #2, gourd rack #1, peeks in, flys away. I have my records in my lap....last year, my first egg of the season was gourd rack #1, gourd #5, on March 18. My SECOND earliest egg date was gourd rack #1, Super Gourd #2. No surprise she landed on one of those two Super Gourds....what a wonderful Christmas present for me this year..as you said earlier, Dave, Love it...Love it....Love it! You can't make this sutff up, or the feelings that go with it...
-
taxidermy lady
- Posts: 2988
- Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:21 am
- Location: IL/Ellis Grove
- Martin Colony History: Started trying to attract purple martins in 2012! It's finally happened in 2017! 5 years!!! ASY male and SY female came May 1st, fledged 5 babies!
Enjoy, because we are all envious of you!
Sharon from southern Illinois
Exciting to think the bird exploring could be the same bird which arrived early last year and nested. I'm from Iowa. Last March we stayed at a hotel in Titusville before leaving for a cruise from Port Canaveral. With your location have you been able to witness space launches.
-
Mike Dingman
- Posts: 181
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:03 pm
- Location: Florida/Melbourne
Oh yes on the space launches. I can see them from here with no
problem, even though it is a good 35 miles north, we can see them easily with out field glasses, but the field glasses really help too. After the shot goes up, then we hear the rumble. I never get tired of watching the space shots.
problem, even though it is a good 35 miles north, we can see them easily with out field glasses, but the field glasses really help too. After the shot goes up, then we hear the rumble. I never get tired of watching the space shots.
Exciting news. This will be my second season, and I'm starting to think I should have things ready earlier than my early March arrival date from last year. It is possible my martins had already been in the area for a while last year when they finally "settled in" to what would have been a new nesting site for them. This year, since they'll be returning "home", I should probably be ready in the mid- to late-January timeframe. Checking the scout reports from last year, several landlords within 30 miles of me in various directions had January arrivals.
2016 - 6 cavities in Royal Wing/S&K house + 6 BO9 gourds with tunnels/porches on pole 1, 6 BO9 gourds with tunnels/porches on pole 2
2015 - new homebuilt 3 cavity house plus 3 BO9 gourds with tunnels porches on second pole, in addition to prior setup. 15 pairs, 54 fledged
2014 - 6 6x12 house cavities (plastic Royal Wing/S&K), plus 6 BO9 gourds with tunnels/porches offered; 12 pairs, 50 fledged
2015 - new homebuilt 3 cavity house plus 3 BO9 gourds with tunnels porches on second pole, in addition to prior setup. 15 pairs, 54 fledged
2014 - 6 6x12 house cavities (plastic Royal Wing/S&K), plus 6 BO9 gourds with tunnels/porches offered; 12 pairs, 50 fledged
Mike, we just left Melbourne yesterday morning, and arrived back in WV today. I was thinking about the martins when we were there, and am thrilled to hear that they are actually back. We usually make our trip to Melbourne the end of February, and I have heard them at that time. But not this time. Congratulations. We can start map-watching now!
Sue P
Sue P
-
Mike Dingman
- Posts: 181
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:03 pm
- Location: Florida/Melbourne
Sue, I have been to Morgantown many times. When my son moved out about 12 years ago, he went to Morgantown because some of his friends were still in school there. It was a nice town for us to visit.
Kehunter: Your right, the second season for a new landlord starts much earlier than their frist year. My first year was 1999, and my first arrival was on 02-24-99. 4 nests, 17 eggs laid, 14 hatch, 14 fledge, 82.4% fledge rate. Second year, first arrival 02-04-2000, 20 days sooner, 21 nests, 104 eggs laid, 84 hatch, 68 fledge, 66% fledge rate.
Kehunter: Your right, the second season for a new landlord starts much earlier than their frist year. My first year was 1999, and my first arrival was on 02-24-99. 4 nests, 17 eggs laid, 14 hatch, 14 fledge, 82.4% fledge rate. Second year, first arrival 02-04-2000, 20 days sooner, 21 nests, 104 eggs laid, 84 hatch, 68 fledge, 66% fledge rate.
-
Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
I am so excited to see your first returning bird of the season. I hope your weather will be kind to her. We don't expect our first returning bird until the first week of February. And I pray they don't show up earlier. Winter has just begun. Freezing temps, no bugs, bad news here in Texas. But, your area is milder and she should be fine. The rest of us need to order some fresh crickets, and hand warmers.
They are on the way back. Are you ready?
They are on the way back. Are you ready?
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
-
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
Mike,
congratulations on the first 2015 martin report. I was just reading a reply email from Kathy -in- Va...she will send you a message soon! Please keep them in Florida...way too cold up here yet! Hope you have a great martin season!
Laverne,
So great to see a post from you! I well remember your great advice from our first season in 2012! So glad to see you are still monitoring the forum! We have enjoyed good colony growth and have learned a lot! Your words of wisdom were much respected and appreciated!
Have a great martin season in 2015!
Debbie
congratulations on the first 2015 martin report. I was just reading a reply email from Kathy -in- Va...she will send you a message soon! Please keep them in Florida...way too cold up here yet! Hope you have a great martin season!
Laverne,
So great to see a post from you! I well remember your great advice from our first season in 2012! So glad to see you are still monitoring the forum! We have enjoyed good colony growth and have learned a lot! Your words of wisdom were much respected and appreciated!
Have a great martin season in 2015!
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!
-
Bill Pec
- Posts: 545
- Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 9:21 am
- Location: Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia
- Martin Colony History: 2010- 2 pr. Fledged 6
2011- 20 pr. Fledged 75
2012- 35 pr. Fledged 143
2013- 37 pr. Fledged 153
2014- 40 pr. Fledged 198
2015- 40 pr. Fledged 183
2016- 42 pr. Fledged 189
2017- 42 pr. Fledged 168
2018- 43 pr. Fledged 172
2019- 43 pr. Fledged 193
2020 -44 pr. Fledged 181
2021 -43 pr. Fledged 184
2022 - 40 pr. Fledged 160
2023 - 39 pr. Fledged 151
2024 - 40 pr. Fledged 154
Great!!! ;-)
Happy New Year to all.
Happy New Year to all.
THE MORE ONE LEARNS THE MORE ONE SEES! While the ignorant person sees only a blackbird the enlightened person sees a Purple Martin.
2010- 2 pr. 6 fledged, + many visitors
2011- 20 pr. 75 fledged,
2012- 35 pr. 143 fledged
2013- 37 pr. 153 fledged
2014- 40 pr. 198 fledged
2015- 40 pr. 183 fledged
2016- 42 pr. 189 Fledged
2010- 2 pr. 6 fledged, + many visitors
2011- 20 pr. 75 fledged,
2012- 35 pr. 143 fledged
2013- 37 pr. 153 fledged
2014- 40 pr. 198 fledged
2015- 40 pr. 183 fledged
2016- 42 pr. 189 Fledged
-
Peter Alberda
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:09 pm
- Location: Michigan, Zeeland
- Martin Colony History: Started with Amish copy of Trendsetter 12 room house, added Trio Grandpa with expanded rooms, and North Star 8. Taking Trendsetter down this spring and adding gourd rack.
Mike,
Congrats!! You mentioned that your bird did the cheer, cheer call. Do only females say that?
Congrats!! You mentioned that your bird did the cheer, cheer call. Do only females say that?
2020 - A pair of SY birds with three nice chicks. Lots of visitors all year long.
2015-2019 - A few lookers.
2014 - ASY male and SY female fledged four chicks.
2013 - Several visitors but none stayed to nest.
2012 - Lots of visitors all season long. We had a pair of sys but no chicks survived.
2011 - New location - A few visitors
2010 - First year – Poor house location.
2015-2019 - A few lookers.
2014 - ASY male and SY female fledged four chicks.
2013 - Several visitors but none stayed to nest.
2012 - Lots of visitors all season long. We had a pair of sys but no chicks survived.
2011 - New location - A few visitors
2010 - First year – Poor house location.
-
Dave Duit
- Posts: 2145
- Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Iowa / Nevada
- Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to [email protected]. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.
First martin for the year, here we go kids. Congrats and looking forward to you having a great year. The excitement for the season has arrived.
-
Mike Dingman
- Posts: 181
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:03 pm
- Location: Florida/Melbourne
Peter:
I am not sure about the female only making the cher, cher, sound, but I believe both male and female make that sound, because when I am trying to listen to a suspected sub adult male, it seems they make all kinds of sounds, but they don't always make the clicking sound at the end of their short speaches....(especially the sub adult males).
We just got back from Gainesville, FL, and my son told me today that now we have two martins, but I will know if it is another female or a new male when they come in this evening. I will let you know....OK, it is dark now, the ASY female came back this evening, alone, so the other bird that was with her, most likely belongs to another colony...anyway, my bird first
did a couple of fly-bys, then she landed on Super Gourd #7, and that opening is away from my view, and she went in there. I watched the gourd for about 30 minutes, and now it is completely dark, I walked around the perimeter of my yard to see a side view of the entrance hole. I could see her beak in the entrance hole, and she is still there, so as far as I know, this is her first night with us in the gourd, but I have been out of town for 3 nights now, so she may have stayed with us earlier, I don't know, but I do know she is here now, so she is comfortable and she will most likely be alone until mid January, it has happened before in the past...
I am not sure about the female only making the cher, cher, sound, but I believe both male and female make that sound, because when I am trying to listen to a suspected sub adult male, it seems they make all kinds of sounds, but they don't always make the clicking sound at the end of their short speaches....(especially the sub adult males).
We just got back from Gainesville, FL, and my son told me today that now we have two martins, but I will know if it is another female or a new male when they come in this evening. I will let you know....OK, it is dark now, the ASY female came back this evening, alone, so the other bird that was with her, most likely belongs to another colony...anyway, my bird first
did a couple of fly-bys, then she landed on Super Gourd #7, and that opening is away from my view, and she went in there. I watched the gourd for about 30 minutes, and now it is completely dark, I walked around the perimeter of my yard to see a side view of the entrance hole. I could see her beak in the entrance hole, and she is still there, so as far as I know, this is her first night with us in the gourd, but I have been out of town for 3 nights now, so she may have stayed with us earlier, I don't know, but I do know she is here now, so she is comfortable and she will most likely be alone until mid January, it has happened before in the past...