At my site there has been a hierarchy in past years established in my oldest 8 unit gourd rack. These are the longest standing males and females of my colony. This is the rack where my founding male has resided for 9 years.
Right now I have 5 birds back. 3 males and 2 females. I usually have 5 males back to the "old rack" before any females. They have historically been back in March. Only one male and one female has made it back to that rack as of April 5th. The other birds returned to the new rack and the T-14.
It sure seems that I lost many of my older birds at this point. The founding male's gourd is empty. So are all the neighboring ones that have traditionally filled first.
Last year at this time? 25-30 birds were back. mostly all to the old rack. This year only 5 and only 2 in the old rack. At this point I suspect a fairly significant die off of my older, normally first arriving birds. Maybe they are all taking their good old time coming up but that would not be a common occurrence each spring.
Doug
My oldest birds are all no shows..
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- 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.
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.
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Dan G
- Posts: 446
- Joined: Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:52 pm
- Location: PA/Bellefonte
- Martin Colony History: Several colonies with in 6 mile radius.
Have had visitor every year 2014-24.
Two large trees removed in fall 2024 and moved T-14 to a more open location.
2025- 1 SY pair. Fledged 2.
Lets hope they are just delayed. This seems to be an odd year for migration. I saw several martins at a amish colony this morning. BTW, to answer an earlier question, he has hosted martins since 1986 and said his first arrival is always within a few days of April 1. So never a February arrival for him.
I know of four nearby colonies with several martins now. My guess, Toy will have her returnees in a day or so.
I know of four nearby colonies with several martins now. My guess, Toy will have her returnees in a day or so.
Bellefonte PA
2014, 1st year-a few lookers, no nests
2015-23. Visitors each year. But no pairs.
2024- most active year. 2-4 SY male’s hang out most days.
2025, 1 SY pair. 2 eggs, 2 fledged!! Other martins visited daily.
Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
2014, 1st year-a few lookers, no nests
2015-23. Visitors each year. But no pairs.
2024- most active year. 2-4 SY male’s hang out most days.
2025, 1 SY pair. 2 eggs, 2 fledged!! Other martins visited daily.
Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
Doug. I am seeing the same thing here in my colony in Westminster, Maryland. I have a very established 40 pair colony
for many years - no issues at the end of last year. I have one lone male back and he is not one of my of older standing birds
The return rate this year been far and few between compared to recent years. Oddly enough some of the larger super colonies were
not reporting early scouts while some of the newer smaller colonies were. Unless things improve in the next week or so I suspect a major
die off of the older birds migrating into this region. I like you usually have 20 to 30 birds back by now and am feeding crickets. Not this year.
Something seems to be truly amiss - This is not a normal typical migration into this area.
Joe
for many years - no issues at the end of last year. I have one lone male back and he is not one of my of older standing birds
The return rate this year been far and few between compared to recent years. Oddly enough some of the larger super colonies were
not reporting early scouts while some of the newer smaller colonies were. Unless things improve in the next week or so I suspect a major
die off of the older birds migrating into this region. I like you usually have 20 to 30 birds back by now and am feeding crickets. Not this year.
Something seems to be truly amiss - This is not a normal typical migration into this area.
Joe
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- 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.
I am truly hoping all the older birds are also "wiser" and not victims of trying to cross the Gulf together in February.
Seems that "first wave" of old ones that usually comes north early are totally missing right now. Perhaps they will all come in together late. But this is very strange. The 2 that did come in took over a week to recover from the trip. Something difficult happened on the way.
I also wonder about those severe hailstorms that occurred in the south. Not sure how they would take cover from them when out in the wild.
Doug
Seems that "first wave" of old ones that usually comes north early are totally missing right now. Perhaps they will all come in together late. But this is very strange. The 2 that did come in took over a week to recover from the trip. Something difficult happened on the way.
I also wonder about those severe hailstorms that occurred in the south. Not sure how they would take cover from them when out in the wild.
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.
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dhjohnson
- Posts: 478
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:24 pm
- Location: North Carolina/Clayton
- Martin Colony History: 5th year hostess. Currently 58 confirmed breeding pair. 218 Fledged, 35 older nestlings, 2 new nests with 8 nestlings. 100% occupancy
Hi Doug,
Every year I host many transit birds. They stay anywhere from a few days to a week or more. We already have 60 birds back and nest building is heavy. Yesterday, I identified positively, our first SY Male Martin. He is fighting with the ASY Males over gourds. I am full up right now but hope to finish putting up the remaining gourds this weekend.
The storms have been rough and we are supposed to be in for another rough night tonight! Hail, high winds, etc. This definately does not put our migrating birds into a safe mix. Hopefully those still trying to make their way to our northern friends will find shelter and get out of the weather.
Best of luck and maybe the older ones are still laying south waiting for the weather to break!
Debbie
Every year I host many transit birds. They stay anywhere from a few days to a week or more. We already have 60 birds back and nest building is heavy. Yesterday, I identified positively, our first SY Male Martin. He is fighting with the ASY Males over gourds. I am full up right now but hope to finish putting up the remaining gourds this weekend.
The storms have been rough and we are supposed to be in for another rough night tonight! Hail, high winds, etc. This definately does not put our migrating birds into a safe mix. Hopefully those still trying to make their way to our northern friends will find shelter and get out of the weather.
Best of luck and maybe the older ones are still laying south waiting for the weather to break!
Debbie
Debbie Johnson
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- 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.
Thanks Debbie,
The weather up here has been very mild especially considering past years. We have been in the 50sand 60s most days for the past 10 days or so.
Just the first few weeks of March were cold.
Overall its the mildest spring I can remember going way back into February.
That is also strange. Already need to cut the grass again. Trees are budding and getting leaves too.
I also Talked to Adam Troyer. For the first time 4 birds arrived there the first day of arrivals. Most of their older birds are generally banded as they stopped banding only a few year s ago. He said none of their first arrivals were banded. They were younger birds of their colony as well.
Doug
The weather up here has been very mild especially considering past years. We have been in the 50sand 60s most days for the past 10 days or so.
Just the first few weeks of March were cold.
Overall its the mildest spring I can remember going way back into February.
That is also strange. Already need to cut the grass again. Trees are budding and getting leaves too.
I also Talked to Adam Troyer. For the first time 4 birds arrived there the first day of arrivals. Most of their older birds are generally banded as they stopped banding only a few year s ago. He said none of their first arrivals were banded. They were younger birds of their colony as well.
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.
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Hanover Bill
- Posts: 656
- Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 3:10 pm
- Location: Pennsylvania/Hanover Township
- Martin Colony History: 2009 & 10 - 0
2011 & 12 - Visitors
2013 - 2 pr. fledged 9
2014 - 3 pr. fledged 13
2015 - 7 pr. fledged 27
2016 - 15 pr. fledged 72
Still no arrivals down here Doug. I have one lonely Tree Swallow and that's it. Seems as if something is amiss. What a shame if there has been a problem. I was expecting a banner year this season since we had such good fledge numbers in this area last year.
I guess we just have to keep hoping that it is just a late migration, and that they haven't met with some worse fate on the trip North.
Hanover Bill.
I guess we just have to keep hoping that it is just a late migration, and that they haven't met with some worse fate on the trip North.
Hanover Bill.
2009 & 10 - 0
2011 & 12 - Visitors
2013 - 2 pr. fledged 9
2014 - 3 pr. fledged 13
2015 - 7 pr. fledged 27
2016 - 15 pr. fledged 72
2011 & 12 - Visitors
2013 - 2 pr. fledged 9
2014 - 3 pr. fledged 13
2015 - 7 pr. fledged 27
2016 - 15 pr. fledged 72
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2227
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
- Location: PA/Avis
- 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.
Chin up guys.....they will return. The weather this spring has been terrible for migration. Too many bad storms in the south, cold temps, a blizzard in the north, little south wind & lots of rain.
We had a beautiful day today, but lots of rain coming tonight & tomorrow (calling for 1.34 inches) then in the low 40's Friday. Could have snow flurries Saturday, but with northly winds.
However this coming Sunday, Monday & Tuesday temps are to improve greatly (upper 60's to low 70's) & winds are to be from the south. I'd guess they will arrive then.
Doug......it could be the younger males tried to get a jump on the "Older guys", so they could grab the best nest & females. Let's hope.
Toy in PA
We had a beautiful day today, but lots of rain coming tonight & tomorrow (calling for 1.34 inches) then in the low 40's Friday. Could have snow flurries Saturday, but with northly winds.
However this coming Sunday, Monday & Tuesday temps are to improve greatly (upper 60's to low 70's) & winds are to be from the south. I'd guess they will arrive then.
Doug......it could be the younger males tried to get a jump on the "Older guys", so they could grab the best nest & females. Let's hope.
Toy in PA
PMCA Member
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Cloudwalker
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2016 1:52 pm
- Location: Carroll, Iowa
- Martin Colony History: I have had Martins for for about 34 years. I moved so I had to reestablish a colony. I did not keep good records but have fledged many birds over the years. I am passionate about Martins and love sharing and helping others enthusiasts!
I am trying to figure out how to post a new topic here so will reply to you. The Martins are arriving here in Carroll Iowa I am sure soon. I have not seen any but put my house up and for the first time had some aggressive starlings jump all over it making nests! I am sure they will keep the returning Martins away. I am wondering if I should take the house down and clean and plug until I see Martins. Any advice. And how can I post this as a topic?
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- 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.
Click on "Purple Martin Forum". main page.
At the top of the page there is the gourd with a Martin and it says Purple Martin.
Below that is says "home"
Below that is larger print that says "PURPLE MARTIN FORUM" right under that is red print "New Topic" that is what you click to start a post.
At the top of the page there is the gourd with a Martin and it says Purple Martin.
Below that is says "home"
Below that is larger print that says "PURPLE MARTIN FORUM" right under that is red print "New Topic" that is what you click to start a post.
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.
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Okie
- Posts: 541
- Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:26 pm
- Location: Claremore, OK
- Martin Colony History: 2016 Informed landlord now Have 2 pair returning from 2015 That is a miracle. Hoping for a very successful year, sparrow population on decline.
First house was plastic with crescent holes Had martins within a few days. Ignorant landlord gradually lost them
Then got Trio House and still lost most of them. Lots of sparrows
Trap or shoot those starlings they will not quit.
Make sure you have SREH Look them up on the PMCA shop. Starling RESISTANT not proof but helps to deter them.
I learned the hard way that if a landlord does not "work" at eliminating starlings & sparrows they WILL do dastardly deeds & run off native birds at best or destroy them at worst. And it IS work if there are many of them.
Keep reading & good luck
Make sure you have SREH Look them up on the PMCA shop. Starling RESISTANT not proof but helps to deter them.
I learned the hard way that if a landlord does not "work" at eliminating starlings & sparrows they WILL do dastardly deeds & run off native birds at best or destroy them at worst. And it IS work if there are many of them.
Keep reading & good luck
Okie
PMCA member
2016 Started with 2 pair, 1 pair abandoned after HOSP destroyed eggs
1 pair= 6 eggs, 6 fledged
2017 1 pair so far, But they abandoned before nest complete for ?reason? Now Bridless and joined the Wannabes
2018 One pair ASY male SY female 5 eggs, 5 fledged
PMCA member
2016 Started with 2 pair, 1 pair abandoned after HOSP destroyed eggs
1 pair= 6 eggs, 6 fledged
2017 1 pair so far, But they abandoned before nest complete for ?reason? Now Bridless and joined the Wannabes
2018 One pair ASY male SY female 5 eggs, 5 fledged