I know this topic was recently discussed so not new information, but while watching my pair's activity at our 4 gourds a moment ago I definitely observed the female bringing in a green leaf. This is day 10 of incubation. Was neat to see for this newbie and thought I'd share.
Have had a SY male visiting on most days. The ASY is not very tolerant and chases him off. I am hopeful that his interest in my location, in addition to the nesting pair, bodes well for my chances at attracting multiple pairs next year.
Female ASY with green leaf
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
This season, I also have twice seen an ASY female on the top of a tree top picking a green leaf and then carrying it to her compartment. I now have confirmation for myself that both the male and female martins carry green leaves to the nest.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.