Martins in SE Kansas
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kimball911
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:33 pm
- Location: Kansas/Iola
The Martins have arrived in SE Kansas - I have gourds up and added a new pole with a dozen homemade gourds at our city park. I got it up a little late last year, but the first pole down there was so full that they needed more housing, so hopefully this will alleviate some overcrowding. Now if it will just start raining. We are extremely dry here. I also started catching sparrows and when I stepped out this morning, the neighbors cat was actually sitting on top of my sparrow trap...
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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.
Very nice!! I am in Iuka KS and on high alert. Good for you though. I'm involved in sparrow war myself.
Deb
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
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
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Trio-Jedi
Congrats... No martins at my place near Erie... None seen in Parsons either.
Deb... I was in Iuka today.
Deb... I was in Iuka today.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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tonyg
- Posts: 1520
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
- Location: Olpe, KS
- 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..
Still waiting in Olpe Ks...2 days past due from 2014..
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!!!!!
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
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Trio-Jedi
Odd to say the least Tony.. had March 11th last year at home and I had all ASY pairs last year. I was really expecting to at least match last years within a couple days.tonyg wrote:Still waiting in Olpe Ks...2 days past due from 2014..
Parsons has always bounced around a bit due to the nature of not being able to watch the houses all the time.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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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.
I am surprised as well that you guys don't have them either. Which makes sense as to why I don't. I always follow you both a few days later. Now we have strong winds out of the north today. That can't be helping.
You were, Andrew? Iuka KS America? Make a right off 281 just north of town and follow that blacktop for 3 3/4 miles and there I am!
My hairdresser yesterday morning said she saw someone post on FB from Pratt that their martins are arriving. So yesterday after she was done with me I cruised town parks and a couple of houses that have setups and I didn't see anything. I just wanted to hear them even.
Deb
You were, Andrew? Iuka KS America? Make a right off 281 just north of town and follow that blacktop for 3 3/4 miles and there I am!
My hairdresser yesterday morning said she saw someone post on FB from Pratt that their martins are arriving. So yesterday after she was done with me I cruised town parks and a couple of houses that have setups and I didn't see anything. I just wanted to hear them even.
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
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Darryl Sparlin
- Posts: 167
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 4:01 pm
- Location: Webb City, Mo
It is very strange. I'm still just seeing the one lone martin that showed
up on the 8th. He flies around over the housing for a while then leaves.
When he first came in he roosted here for 2 nights, but hasn't since. This
time last year I had 8 to 10 here. Hope everyone has a good year.
up on the 8th. He flies around over the housing for a while then leaves.
When he first came in he roosted here for 2 nights, but hasn't since. This
time last year I had 8 to 10 here. Hope everyone has a good year.
Darryl Sparlin
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Darryl Sparlin
- Posts: 167
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 4:01 pm
- Location: Webb City, Mo
It is very strange. I'm still just seeing the one lone martin that showed
up on the 8th. He flies around over the housing for a while then leaves.
When he first came in he roosted here for 2 nights, but hasn't since. This
time last year I had 8 to 10 here. Hope everyone has a good year.
up on the 8th. He flies around over the housing for a while then leaves.
When he first came in he roosted here for 2 nights, but hasn't since. This
time last year I had 8 to 10 here. Hope everyone has a good year.
Darryl Sparlin
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Tim Mangan-Kansas
- Posts: 1728
- Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
- Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
- Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair
Andrew:
I had two adult males this morning. Still not spending the nights but are here in the mornings.
Tim
I had two adult males this morning. Still not spending the nights but are here in the mornings.
Tim
Licensed Bander
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
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kimball911
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:33 pm
- Location: Kansas/Iola
Mine were 2 days later than last year, which is fine with me, as it's suppose to get cold and wet tomorrow. I've caught 12 sparrows today.
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kimball911
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:33 pm
- Location: Kansas/Iola
Tim: Where did you use to live? It looks like your colony was huge. Did you just leave it for someone else to take over or take it completely down? Living in town, I can't have mine get too big, but we usually fledge between 55-65. Last year was a good year, we had no dead ones.
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tonyg
- Posts: 1520
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
- Location: Olpe, KS
- 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..
Had a male on a rack last night around 7..went out to get a pic and he flew..didn't see him come back..maybe this morning..not gonna report him till I know he stays..
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!!!!!
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Tim Mangan-Kansas
- Posts: 1728
- Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
- Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
- Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair
Kimball:
Use to live in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We moved back to my home town here in Pittsburg, KS in August of 2013. Lady who bought our house in Hot Springs wanted the martin pole and all gourds so I sold it to her. Due to size of yard at current house and being a new sub-division in town, I really can only have one system. I kept and set up my multi-purpose pole with gourds under the houses and attracted seven pair in 2014. Very lucky to get that many nesting pair my first year. I am hoping to increase that number in 2015. Since I only have one pole, I have tried to maximize the housing and safety features the best I can. Purchased angle arms during off season so I can add up to 12 gourds under houses. Also added electric to pole to help with ground predators. Also made 45 degree angle turns in several of my gourds and a few of the entrances on the houses. Since taking the picture below, I have also added a mesh snake trap in between the top of the electric wire and winch. Here is pic of my site for 2015.
Use to live in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We moved back to my home town here in Pittsburg, KS in August of 2013. Lady who bought our house in Hot Springs wanted the martin pole and all gourds so I sold it to her. Due to size of yard at current house and being a new sub-division in town, I really can only have one system. I kept and set up my multi-purpose pole with gourds under the houses and attracted seven pair in 2014. Very lucky to get that many nesting pair my first year. I am hoping to increase that number in 2015. Since I only have one pole, I have tried to maximize the housing and safety features the best I can. Purchased angle arms during off season so I can add up to 12 gourds under houses. Also added electric to pole to help with ground predators. Also made 45 degree angle turns in several of my gourds and a few of the entrances on the houses. Since taking the picture below, I have also added a mesh snake trap in between the top of the electric wire and winch. Here is pic of my site for 2015.
Licensed Bander
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
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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.
Excellent Tony!!!! Cheering for you is like soon cheering for myself. 
Tim, looking good. You definitely maximize out of one system.
All of this before my coffee is brewed. Gonna be a good day.
Deb
Tim, looking good. You definitely maximize out of one system.
All of this before my coffee is brewed. Gonna be a good day.
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
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
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Trio-Jedi
congrats tony.. still shut out here.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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Tim Mangan-Kansas
- Posts: 1728
- Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
- Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
- Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair
Matt:
Lol. That light is mounted to pole across the street. It puts out so much light I don't need to turn on back porch light at night.
Lol. That light is mounted to pole across the street. It puts out so much light I don't need to turn on back porch light at night.
Licensed Bander
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
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Connie
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
- Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
- 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.
Tim,
Congrats on your returning birds. I much admire your set up but I have to say.....I love the border running in front of your fence! I have those around my flower beds next to the house and really like them. But I really like the idea of making those corners obsolete in the yard.
I think I am going to copy it exactly. It would really be helpful as I have what I call a small yard and a big yard all fenced which makes for a lot of corners. Hope you don't mind me stealing your design. Matt F.,
You crack me up.
Congrats on your returning birds. I much admire your set up but I have to say.....I love the border running in front of your fence!
I have those around my flower beds next to the house and really like them. But I really like the idea of making those corners obsolete in the yard. I think I am going to copy it exactly. It would really be helpful as I have what I call a small yard and a big yard all fenced which makes for a lot of corners. Hope you don't mind me stealing your design. Matt F.,
You crack me up.
Connie
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kimball911
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:33 pm
- Location: Kansas/Iola
Tim: I love your set-up - that looks so easy to just crank away. Would it be too forward to ask to watch when you do the banding? I would love to see that done. We actually manage to sites. One at our house with 12 gourds and another 12 at Riverside Park in Iola. I don't know anything about banding and would love to see someone do it, just out of curiosity.