Major Influx.

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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

As a Landlord in the Northern part of the Purple Martin range, I watch and read all your migration reports with interest and anticipation. Its a long season of waiting starting in December ending in May. This last week it happened for me, Numbers jumped dramatically. A week ago I had maybe 10 martins staying at my place. Last Night I estimated 50 as the sky was full of Martins, along with Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, and possibly a Swift. As I reflect on what I saw last night, it reminds me of God's goodness and faithfulness! As always, I would love to hear about how things are going at your place, especially if you live in the Northern part of the Martins range. Having a great Sunday, blessings to all you lovely Mothers!
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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taxidermy lady
Posts: 2988
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:21 am
Location: IL/Ellis Grove
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!

Thank you Archer, I'm not from the extreme north but southern Il. And my Mother's Day is sitting and watching martins! So very happy god blessed me with them this year! It was 5 long years! Good luck! :)
Sharon from southern Illinois
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

I have followed your journey Sharon, and I'm thrilled for you. Watching martins today too.
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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BillieJR
Posts: 766
Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2017 11:39 am
Location: Monroe, WI

That's my dream - to have the purple martins arrive and take up residence at my place today - the best Mother's Day gift ever. So far, nothing, tho. Still time, right? :)
Billie from southern Wisconsin
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

I would think so, the best time is almost here. I had a pair join up July 7th a couple of years ago. Granted they were not starting a new colony but never the less, you still have time :)
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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BillieJR
Posts: 766
Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2017 11:39 am
Location: Monroe, WI

Thanks for the boost of confidence. :) They didn't show up today but maybe tomorrow.
Billie from southern Wisconsin
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Mhoover
Posts: 213
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 10:30 am
Location: Indiana/Monticello - White County
Martin Colony History: Started with 2 pair in 2014 - 7 eggs -7 fledged

I had a SY pair start nest building on July 5 last year in one of my gourds. There is still plenty of time for a pair of subbies to arrive and claim a cavity there. Don't give up.
2017-5 pair
2016-4 pair- 18 hatched-18 fledged
2015-1 pair -Both ASY- 6 eggs-5 fledged
2014-2 pair- 1 ASY-M/SY-F-1 ASY pair - 7 eggs-7 fledged

PMCA Member
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

Are you playing that Dawnsong BillieJR? It helps, consider it advertising, play it loud and long.
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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Curtis Reil
Posts: 119
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:51 pm
Location: Alberta/Tofield
Martin Colony History: I inherited this colony when I purchased the property from my Great Uncle. To the best of my knowledge, he had hosted Martins since 1977. Housing consisted of three twelve compartment units that he had built. Small compartments, round holes and no way to lower for managing. There were maybe 6-8 pairs here when we moved in. Through reading up on information provided by the PMCA and that provided to me by Bob Buskas, the decision was made to upgrade the housing. We are now fully switched over to North Star houses and hosted 58 pairs this season(2017). 60 compartments open for business and being so close to 100% occupancy, I believe we may expand housing offered next season. Expansion will continue contingent to high occupancy, being able to keep up on management and or until it starts to feel like work.

Glad to hear you've got the purple haze filling your skies again Archer. We saw pretty much the same influx that you did. Had 2 or 3 hanging around for a bit. Then one morning there was 7. Next morning 13 and after that 32 or 33. They just piled in. Didn't count today but I'd say up over 40 here now. Been feeding the poor little duffers lots the last couple days as the weather has been the ... well, you know. Hope you continue to have a great season.
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Nealbopper
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2013 11:56 am
Location: Michigan, Oakland

Still waiting here in Michigan -
Praying to the good Lord that this year is my year to be a good landlord.
Why not? I started Chickens and Honey Bess this year - why not PM's too?
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

Thanks Curtis, nice to hear from another Northern Landlord. Have a great season!
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
Top
Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

No reason it can' happen Neal, you just need the right one to get you started. Speaking of which, saw my first sy male at my site yesterday. Are you blasting that dawnsong?
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
Top
BillieJR
Posts: 766
Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2017 11:39 am
Location: Monroe, WI

Thanks, mhoover - don't worry - I am far from giving up. :)

Archer - yes, the Dawn song has been playing so long as there is no rain. that reminds me - I better go bring it in for the night.
Billie from southern Wisconsin
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