No luck this first year in Deleware Twp., PA. Had up to 3 couples looking on May 28, 29, 30. That was it until today. While cutting grass on my tractor ( under my T-14 with gourds, an adult male comes in flutters, looking in to the cavities. He stayed for about 1.5 hrs and then gone. I was trilled. Hope this is a good sign for next year. What do you guys think?
Gary U
Adult male shows up today
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GaryU
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:49 pm
- Location: PA/Transfer
- Martin Colony History: 1st year....just visitors.
2nd ......praying!.......prayers answered 5/28/16 with 10 couples and lots of 1st year males. Making improvements and planning for 2017 and beyond.
3rd year.....all compartments on both poles (28 + 18) and planning on 18 more for 2018.
2018 added gourd rack (18 gourds)
4th/5th/6th year ......established colony.
2022 added 2 new poles with polywood T-14’s. Filled up 1st year in use.
2025 adding 3 new poles with polywood T-14’s +12 gourds.
Total: 8 poles, 84 T-14 compartments, 64 gourds. (148 nest cavities)
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John Evans
- Posts: 323
- Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:56 pm
- Location: Cocoa Beach Florida
I'm no expert Gary but, any visitor is a good sign. Is this your first season? Also does your yard have any obstacles that would restrict there flying? Are there any colonies nearby? Sorry for the questions.
Best of luck and the fact that Martins notice and hang around your site I think is good.
P.S. Took me 2 years to get activity.
John
Best of luck and the fact that Martins notice and hang around your site I think is good.
P.S. Took me 2 years to get activity.
John
PMCA Member
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GaryU
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:49 pm
- Location: PA/Transfer
- Martin Colony History: 1st year....just visitors.
2nd ......praying!.......prayers answered 5/28/16 with 10 couples and lots of 1st year males. Making improvements and planning for 2017 and beyond.
3rd year.....all compartments on both poles (28 + 18) and planning on 18 more for 2018.
2018 added gourd rack (18 gourds)
4th/5th/6th year ......established colony.
2022 added 2 new poles with polywood T-14’s. Filled up 1st year in use.
2025 adding 3 new poles with polywood T-14’s +12 gourds.
Total: 8 poles, 84 T-14 compartments, 64 gourds. (148 nest cavities)
Hi John,
This is my first year. I have my T-14 near my pond with no tree for close to 100 yes. I am also thinking this is a good thing. When I started this project I was not aware of any close by colonies, but from a number of drives in near by areas (5 miles or so) I have noticed some active sites. Thanks for your response.
Gary U
This is my first year. I have my T-14 near my pond with no tree for close to 100 yes. I am also thinking this is a good thing. When I started this project I was not aware of any close by colonies, but from a number of drives in near by areas (5 miles or so) I have noticed some active sites. Thanks for your response.
Gary U
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John Evans
- Posts: 323
- Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:56 pm
- Location: Cocoa Beach Florida
Gary, they do prefer water nearby and sounds like you have an excellent opportunity to turn the visitors into residents. Do what you can to keep the sparrows and starlings away and you might have some residents next year.
Be patient and best of luck!
Be patient and best of luck!
PMCA Member
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GaryU
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:49 pm
- Location: PA/Transfer
- Martin Colony History: 1st year....just visitors.
2nd ......praying!.......prayers answered 5/28/16 with 10 couples and lots of 1st year males. Making improvements and planning for 2017 and beyond.
3rd year.....all compartments on both poles (28 + 18) and planning on 18 more for 2018.
2018 added gourd rack (18 gourds)
4th/5th/6th year ......established colony.
2022 added 2 new poles with polywood T-14’s. Filled up 1st year in use.
2025 adding 3 new poles with polywood T-14’s +12 gourds.
Total: 8 poles, 84 T-14 compartments, 64 gourds. (148 nest cavities)
John, the sparrows are the problem. I'm trying to shoot, trap and make life tough on them. Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Gary U
Gary U
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John Evans
- Posts: 323
- Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:56 pm
- Location: Cocoa Beach Florida
That's about all you can do. I would make that a year round hobby if possible. Also, consider leaving your house up till the end of the breeding season. You might get more lookers when they start wandering away from their home colonies more.
PMCA Member