Texas Martins?

[Don Troha]

Four Martins showed up this morning here in SW Houston, two pair. One day earlier than last year’s post-storm arrivals. Numerous area reports coming in now. Best wishes to all for a successful season!

[Whippy]

Seems there is a rush on Texas in the last couple of days. Glad to see a couple of yours made it back, Don. Mine are due on the 24th but I sure hope they aren't in a real big hurry. I could wait until next week if they can. Otherwise it'll be pretty tough on them the next few days up here in Plano.

Coolwhips

[Kegger]

Glad to hear of the Texas arrivals the past few days, I also think there will be many SY this year. Lets hope
better than 1/2 of them are females. So far I have 3 pair and 2 males that have not paired up yet.

[JulieMattox]

Five martins at my place this morning, three males, two females. Have the crickets and eggs ready for the next three days as temperatures will be in the 30's for the highs.

[Sharon - Central TX]

Martin arrival today in Georgetown, one year to the day they arrived last year. Well we actually had one on 2/19 last year but everything was frozen over and he left. I doubt he survived. Was hoping they’d wait a few more days this year since we’re under a winter storm warning with freezing rain and below freezing temps for a few days. We had a few gourds open but the Martin did not want any of those. He had a particular one in mind. Hubby went out in below freezing temp to open up the one the he wanted. Martin was flying all around it while hubby was trying to get it done ASAP. He went right into it before hubby even finished.They are so particular at times .

[Dave Reynolds]

Four Martins showed up this morning here in SW Houston, two pair. One day earlier than last year’s post-storm arrivals. Numerous area reports coming in now. Best wishes to all for a successful season!

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..... Congratulations... Don ... To you and your new arrivals.. Enjoy ... Have a great Season..

Dave

[Don Troha]

Off to a rough start again, Dave. Cold front blew in and we barely made to 50 here today although I know my friends in north and central Texas are having it much worse with wintry weather. I walked under the housing and could hear one or two of the Martins chattering inside but I didn't see them come outside unless they snuck out while I wasn't looking. Forecast 55 on Thursday, hopefully the birds will get out and do some foraging. No luck with supplemental feeding in past seasons.

Update. Some activity today (Thursday) in the morning, flying and checking out compartments. Afternoon, some heard chattering inside the housing. Upper 40s, colder than yesterday.

[C.C.Martins]

Yeah, nasty and cold here too, supposed to rain on and off next few days. If there are breaks for you, your birds will try to eat.
Now is the time to try flipping, if you have crickets. They will be more apt to go after the food.

[billb]

Six have moved in here in past week. Three days of temps in mid 30's - mid 40's with some rain. Not cold as last season ( lost 9 birds), but not possible to feed. No luck flipping (I suck at it, BTW!), but placed some crickets, meal worms and scrambled egg on porches. Crickets may have ben eaten, but cannot be sure. Could get up to 60 tomorrow after a night in 30's. Hope they hang on.
Tough deciding what to do. When I lower the house or set ladder nearby, the birds leave the house and circle until I move away. Don't want them to burn up remaining energy, but feel I need to try to get them something to eat. Guess I'll try one more food delivery today and hope for best tomorrow.

[Jones4381]

Damn! Ya'll hang in there...this is the times for the committed and will bring you all pride/joy when done.

[Thomas Maddox]

All you can do is to put the food out there and hope that they eat it. Hang in there Bill!