Riding a wave of much awaited clear sunny weather, my martins finally returned today. Actually, I am glad they waited, as we have had brutally cold and snowy weather here at 2000 feet elevation in the Laurel Highlands of Fayette County, PA. Saturday was driving snow all day, and Saturday night reached 5 degrees above zero . I was prepared to emergency feed, but thankfully that was not necessary.
Normally they return here to my 5 year old colony in the first few days of April, so I was beginning to be nervous, also seeing how much farther north they have already arrived. But our Creator makes no mistakes, and I was so happy to see four martins this morning, mostly feeding high overhead, with a couple of them circling the house to say hello.
As I have the only known colony in my county, I am hoping for another productive year.
Good luck to all ! Peter
My worries are over...
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Peter C
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2007 7:16 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Farmington
- Martin Colony History: Rural area, only known colony in Fayette County, PA
Two wooden T-14s, each with four Troyer horizontal gourds, Conley II entrances
2017 26 pairs, 99 fledged
2016 21 pairs, 74 fledged
2015 15 pairs, 40 fledged
2014 9 pairs, 29 fledged
2013 8 pairs, 20 fledged
2012 1 pair, 4 fledged
2011 1 pair, 4 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.
Great news and I can imagine your apprehension. But here ya go!
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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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
Peter, so happy to hear your weather is improving! The martins really need a break in PA!
Congratulations and I hope you have a wonderful, successful season!
Congratulations and I hope you have a wonderful, successful season!
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com