The past 5 years we have been honored to have one of the earliest arrivals in the state. Each year this bird that I named "Waldo" has endured weeks of temperatures even below 20 degrees and major snowstorms.
He has arrived March 16th, March 19th, March 22nd, 23rd, 24th regardless of the weather. He learned to feed both at my site and at a neighboring one. I actually saw him skim snow off the ground for moisture several times. (as ponds were frozen) I would run home from work a few times a day sometimes to feed him each March. He would come out when I whistled.
This year so far 14 scouts have been reported in PA. Some as early as the 15th. We are at the end of March and there's been no "Waldo" to share the wait for the rest of the arrivals. Sometimes he was here 2 weeks before the next arrival would come in.
So it's kind of empty and sad this year. As I scan the skies under south winds and 60 degree temperatures today without a chirp..... I realized something.
Waldo is likely not coming home this year. He sure was an amazing bird too. He ruled my colony throughout the season for years. Oh well.
Hopefully one of his offspring will come back and take his place. Where's Waldo? He is not home yet that's for sure.
Doug
I believe I lost my Alpha Male Waldo.
-
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.
Last edited by Doug Martin - PA on Fri Mar 29, 2019 12:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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.
Hi Doug, sorry about Waldo it's amazing how attached you can get to a certain bird over a period of time. My foundation bird I had for quite a few years so I know exactly how you're feeling just part of a hobby I guess ,good luck in the rest of the season Ed .
-
Whippy
- Posts: 1023
- Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 11:15 pm
- Location: Plano, Texas
- Martin Colony History: See Signature
I know how you feel. My founding Martin is always the first one back. I was worried for quite some time that he didn't make the migration. Gladly he arrived 3 weeks later than all previous years but, when he got home, he hit the gourd like he's been there all year. He and a buddy are out trying to find others to join them and are fun to watch. So something caused him to be late. Really late. Maybe Waldo experienced something similar.
I know you think he might not be returning but, give him some time. He may just show up a bit late.
Coolwhips
I know you think he might not be returning but, give him some time. He may just show up a bit late.
Coolwhips
2016 - many visitors
2017 - 1 pair, 3 fledged
2018- 2 pair, 12 fledged
2019 - 4 pair, 21 fledged
2020 - 15 pair, 67 fledged
2021 - 29 pair, 117 fledged
2022 - 35 pair, 130 fledged
2023 - 43 pair, 196 fledged
2017 - 1 pair, 3 fledged
2018- 2 pair, 12 fledged
2019 - 4 pair, 21 fledged
2020 - 15 pair, 67 fledged
2021 - 29 pair, 117 fledged
2022 - 35 pair, 130 fledged
2023 - 43 pair, 196 fledged
-
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.
Doug:
Don't give up on him yet. He may just be running late this year.
I lost my alpha pair 2 years ago. Adam & Eve. I figured Adam was getting up in years. He was always first back, but the last year or two he came later. Eve was attacked by a juvenile starling twice in one day. She was due to lay eggs & died from internal bleeding. Adam hung around until the last pair/fledglings were ready to leave for the season. I never saw him again.
Hopefully Waldo will return soon.
Toy in PA
Don't give up on him yet. He may just be running late this year.
I lost my alpha pair 2 years ago. Adam & Eve. I figured Adam was getting up in years. He was always first back, but the last year or two he came later. Eve was attacked by a juvenile starling twice in one day. She was due to lay eggs & died from internal bleeding. Adam hung around until the last pair/fledglings were ready to leave for the season. I never saw him again.
Hopefully Waldo will return soon.
Toy in PA
PMCA Member
-
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
Sorry to hear that Doug. I had the one show up on Monday, didn't see him Tuesday, and then saw one again on Wednesday, and not on Thursday. So I'm not sure if these are my birds or if they are passing through on their way to your site, or others to the North of me.
Hanover Bill.
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
-
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 for your replies. I guess you never can know what happens on the long trip home. This guy would arrive even before my colony’s founding male. You can usually tell by the gourd they first go to.
Bill, early arrivals spend a lot of time in their cavity when they first arrive. Especially in the colder weather. Then when it warms they can take off for the day. That’s why mine got named Waldo after the “where’s Waldo character”. He did learn to come out and eat when I whistled for him. Sometimes I would lower the rack and he would still stay in.
Doug
Bill, early arrivals spend a lot of time in their cavity when they first arrive. Especially in the colder weather. Then when it warms they can take off for the day. That’s why mine got named Waldo after the “where’s Waldo character”. He did learn to come out and eat when I whistled for him. Sometimes I would lower the rack and he would still stay in.
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.
-
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.
Well he just showed up about 6:30. He flew right to my porch. I tossed him over 20 crickets. His voice is weak. But he made it home. Went right to his spot on the rack.
Nice!!!
Nice!!!
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.
-
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.
Woo-HooDoug Martin - PA wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2019 5:59 pmWell he just showed up about 6:30. He flew right to my porch. I tossed him over 20 crickets. His voice is weak. But he made it home. Went right to his spot on the rack.
Nice!!!
. Glad to hear he made it home. Toy in PA
PMCA Member
-
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
Great News Doug !!
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
-
Dave Reynolds
- Posts: 2442
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:35 pm
- Location: Little Hocking, Oh.
- Martin Colony History: Satellite Site “Oxbow Golf Course”..
2018 - 15 Pair, 36 Fledged
2019 - 26 Pair, 97 Fledged
2020 - 30 Pair, 137 Fledged
2021 - 30 Pair, 144 Fledged
2022 - 27 Pair, 125 Fledged
2023 - 31 Pair, 130 Fledged
2024 - 41 Pair, 198 Fledged
2025 - 44 Pair, 168 Fledged
Home Site "Little Hocking, Ohio".
2019 - 1 Pair, 5 Fledged
2020 - 1 Pair, 4 Fledged
2021 - 8 Pair, 36 Fledged
2022 - 13 Pair, 46 Fledged
2023 - 16 Pair, 84 Fledged
2024 - 22 Pair, 104 Fledged
2025 - 28 Pair, 83 Fledged
.....Doug .... Super news... about Waldo.... I can only imagine your feelings when he showed up.... 
Dave
Dave
PMCA Member
Little Hocking, Ohio
Little Hocking, Ohio
-
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.
If we were physically able to hug we would have been. lol
He literally hovered 3 feet in front of me at my porch flapping his wings and my arms were open wide. haha
We truly had a moment.
Today he is doing great. He has had his fill of crickets and nekton I tonic. This seemed to bring him around very fast.
Another male stopped by at 10:30 AM and then a female was in his gourd at 11:30 AM
Martins are soaring the sky once again here! I know right where Waldo is too.
Doug
He literally hovered 3 feet in front of me at my porch flapping his wings and my arms were open wide. haha
We truly had a moment.
Today he is doing great. He has had his fill of crickets and nekton I tonic. This seemed to bring him around very fast.
Another male stopped by at 10:30 AM and then a female was in his gourd at 11:30 AM
Martins are soaring the sky once again here! I know right where Waldo is too.
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.
-
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.
Wow that's great news. Happy for you. I am waiting for my own miracle. Will be a few weeks yet to see if he shows up.
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
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
-
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.
Waldo plus 4 more turned in for the evening here. Waldo has a girl already!
Oh the life of an alpha male!
Oh the life of an alpha male!
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.
-
-=DKC=-
- Posts: 356
- Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 2:26 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
- Martin Colony History: ................
2019: 11 pairs
2018: 11 pairs - 43 fledged
2017: 4 pairs - 17 fledged
This is awesome. Just about had me tearing up. 
"If at first you don't succeed, keep on suckin' till you do succeed." - Curly Howard
-
KaraInTexas
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2016 7:29 am
- Location: North Texas
- Martin Colony History: 2020 - 10 nest sites.
2019 - 8 nest sites and 28 fledged.
2018 - Three mating pair. 12 babies, all fledged. Found one adult female dead in house. Cause of death - unable to ascertain. Very sad day.
2017 - First mating pair in Heath house. May 3-5: 5 eggs laid. June 1-3: all hatched. July 3: all 5 fledged.
Approximately 20 adult martins here for the fledge party.
July 1: Installed 4 gourds as well as the 3 houses. The Martins love them!
2016 - Many martins, no nests or eggs. Too many HOSP.
I have a 12 compartment Heath house I converted to a 4 compartment house to allow the Martins more room and hopefully evade owls. I have put in a second house, the S&K 12 compartment one which I converted to 6 compartments. My neighbor also has the same S&K house I converted to a 6 compartment house.
I have eight or more Martins that visit daily.
Oh my gosh! I saw this and was so sad!! Glad he is home and eating good in the hood!!!
I lost an adult female last year. Couldn't figure out how she died but found her in the house. I cried. It was the worst feeling.
Waldo. Great name!
Best, Kara
I lost an adult female last year. Couldn't figure out how she died but found her in the house. I cried. It was the worst feeling.
Waldo. Great name!
Best, Kara
May the Martins be with you. 
-
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.
The 2nd female to show the other day immediately headed for Waldo’s gourd. This lead to a nasty girl fight with the first one that has been staying with him. I had to lower the rack to break it up. All is well now though. There were plenty of other gentlemen available. The first one took the prize.
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.
-
Rodger Drye
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:07 am
- Location: NC/Mt. Pleasant
- Martin Colony History: Have been hosting and providing a sanactuary for Purple Martins for 30 years.
Hey Doug,
Enjoyed your story about “Waldo” the Martin. That’s truly amazing that he did eventually show up and came to your porch so you could feed him crickets. These bird’s are not stupid. I know my bird’s know me and come out to show off when I’m outside watching them. I talk to them and of course they chatter back.
“Waldo” is a very interesting name. It reminds me of a dog I once had many years ago. He was a registered Chihuahua, but a little fat guy. He had 2 sisters and being the only male I selected him. I named him Waldo because as a kid I remembered watching an adult type cartoon about a dog and a wolf and the dog was named Waldo. Sorry can’t remember what the cartoon was called. It’s been about 55 years ago.
Waldo was very very smart and I taught him a lot of tricks. He did all the normal stuff, i.e. shake hands, sit, roll over. But he also did a lot more. He could count, sing, and even read, believe it or not.!
It was a very sad day when I had to put him down. I still think of him quite often.
Sure glad Waldo finally came home.!
Rodger
Enjoyed your story about “Waldo” the Martin. That’s truly amazing that he did eventually show up and came to your porch so you could feed him crickets. These bird’s are not stupid. I know my bird’s know me and come out to show off when I’m outside watching them. I talk to them and of course they chatter back.
“Waldo” is a very interesting name. It reminds me of a dog I once had many years ago. He was a registered Chihuahua, but a little fat guy. He had 2 sisters and being the only male I selected him. I named him Waldo because as a kid I remembered watching an adult type cartoon about a dog and a wolf and the dog was named Waldo. Sorry can’t remember what the cartoon was called. It’s been about 55 years ago.
Waldo was very very smart and I taught him a lot of tricks. He did all the normal stuff, i.e. shake hands, sit, roll over. But he also did a lot more. He could count, sing, and even read, believe it or not.!
It was a very sad day when I had to put him down. I still think of him quite often.
Sure glad Waldo finally came home.!
Rodger
PMCA Member
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.