Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
At 8:55 AM this morning (April 6, 2017) I looked out & there he was. An ASY Male sitting on House #2 . Weather is all overcast & raining. Temp 49 degrees.
I flipped him crickets, he ate 6. He looks good. I saw him check out House #1, but since then he has been sitting on the power lines behind my garage. We have lots of rain coming today into tonight, so I'll be out flipping hm crickets a few more times.
I'll put in my Scout Report as soon as I get a new password. My old one isn't working.
That's great! Two have returned to our school but none to my house, yet. My class likes reading about how you care for your martins. Have a great year! -Hunter in central PA
Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
HunterH:
Thanks . Yours will return soon I'm sure. After we get past this lousy weather, today & tomorrow, I'm sure more will start pouring in. South winds coming starting Sunday. That will push them north.
I hope to host a event this summer with a local Boy Scout Troop.
Well, now that subies are starting to show up this far north, my plan is to put up and open something in all 4 sides of the house this weekend. I decided to wait this year, to see if that makes any difference. Maybe the sparrows and starlings will give me a break, and I won't have to trap as much, and maybe if their pressure is reduced the martins will be more receptive to my place. Cross your fingers!
2012 late start
2013 nothing yet, lots a lookers
2014 Bust again
2015 Bust again
2016 Bust again
2017 Bust again
2018 April 14 a group joined me, but moved on after a week
2019 Had SY male seriously check me out but didn't stay
Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Now you have someone to brighten your gloomy days there. Congrats.
Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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!
. Weather is all overcast & raining. Temp 49 degrees. 
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