Hello again friends

[Martinear]

Hello again friends,

It has been many years since I signed on, (Martineer) mostly due to the fact that my previous house was too tree covered to have any takers and I was dejected. I have since moved to the country out in Justin, TX, and now have lots of open space.

In the spring of 2015, I modified the old S&K Tri-pole with its Tri gourd rack, by using threaded SS rods for hang arms. (I always disliked the aluminum arms that came with the rack) These rods perfectly slid through the holes on the rack, and I used lock washers and nuts to hold both the arms, and the gourds, at the desired place. I think I had the first scouts in March, and soon after, all 6 of my THG/Conley entrance were occupied. Even had a couple others that wanted in, but ran out of spaces for them. The colony was successful, with quite a few fledglings. Honestly, I didn't do nest checks, (those telescoping pole are a pain) but I did faithfully shoot and kill every HS and ES that landed anywhere near the colony. It should be noted that the starlings were indeed thwarted by the entrances too. Then, the end of the season occurred in early august if memory serves, when they all departed.

This spring, I put out last years system. Then, when all the SY came back and occupied all six again, I had many extra birds looking for housing. I scrambled to put up something else, so I went to Tractor Supply and bought what they had. Another S&K gourd rack product, which did not come with tunnels or entrances. I did use the aluminum poles this time, but added zip ties to secure the star retainers. So I erected three of the bare gourds in the hopes of retaining the new arrivals, while I awaited the starling resistant tunnel entrance delivery. Once they came, I assembled them and sealed them, and raised all six. Well, in no time, I was full with a total of 12 gourds occupied.

Sooo...anyway, yesterday was day one of fledging! I was alarmed to see three fledglings on the ground and on top of that, we had a day of rain here making things soggy for them. I had to fight the impulse to try to rescue them, and perhaps bring them under my porch to dry out. From what my wife and I read, fledglings on the ground are normal. So I sequestered the cat for the day to give them a chance to get airborne. When I wasn't looking, 2 of them got going, leaving one more to go. This one was resistant to follow the others, but when it did, it was a beautiful thing to witness. As soon as it began to clumsily fly, several other adults swooped down into a supportive formation around the fledge, as they urged it to keep going. 100 yards later, the fledgling made it to the apex of my neighbors roof. It was a heartwarming and personally satisfying thing to watch, with my wife, as this neophyte took wing.

Next year, I will add more housing and continue to grow my colony. I think I can easily grow this colony by at least six pair every year.

So, to summarize...its good to be back ya'll!

[Martinear]

martin376.JPG

(370.41 KiB) Not downloaded yet

Picture of colony. That sparrow was dispatched.

[Thais G]

Hi, try again on the pic!
Nice to hear of your success!!
best,
Thais

[Martinear]

I can't get the picture to upload. Also, how do I delete my post, if desired?

[marcus]

You probably have to down size your pic. Then try again.

[pmartinlover2]

Sounds like a wonderful success story, Martinear! Good luck growing your colony. Glad you're back!
_____
Jody