Big stall here

[C.C.Martins]

Rained all day yesterday, last night 11 martins went into their homes. Cold front blew in late last night dropped Temps to the 40s, wind 30 gusting to 40.
There's close to 20 extra birds now, residents are in their gourds calling every once in a while. Some if the new birds are packing 4 to a gourd. Not sure when they came in!
Been feeding them with superworms, must have flipped 500 already. More food to come, I fill a cup, flip till its empty and give them a break. When they move on, and they will, hope i helped them.

[G Saner]

Tom,

Are these "extra birds" ones that just flew over the gulf on their way north of your colony. In other words, just waiting for better weather to move north.

I have a relative with a 12-gourd colony up the coast from you in Palacios. He had 24 martins come to roost last night and it is only his 3rd year. I told him it sounded like some of the birds just arrived exhausted from flying over the Gulf and were just looking for a place to rest.

You would know, is this a common occurrence for colonies right on the coast?

[Thomas Maddox]

My first year I had this happen. About 15 PMs. I flipped tons of crickets and consumed most. I was elated, well until the next day when they left. Like you, I felt like at least I helped them along in the journey.

[C.C.Martins]

Yep, nailed it. Drooping wings and all.
That describes it exactly, these guys came out of nowhere but in reality faced the brunt of the wind as it tore across the gulf and found a safe spot.
Yes, its common. Mr Barrow had many, many hundreds at his place a few years ago, covered the gourds, power lines and were in the field behind his house. Last year they did the same thing.
Soon as this blows through, think its tomorrow actually, they will be gone.

[C.C.Martins]

My first year I had this happen. About 15 PMs. I flipped tons of crickets and consumed most. I was elated, well until the next day when they left. Like you, I felt like at least I helped them along in the journey.

Agree, hope iv given them enough to move along and get where they are heading. Sure is rewarding! some of the males are courting the new females but they won't stay.
Between feedings im waxing starlings.

[Thomas Maddox]

Nice! No PMs here yet. I only had 3 pair last year. Starting year 3!

[Martintown33]

Nice job, Thomas and Tom.. feeding them to help them make it home… seems to me the northern martins are much more accustomed to flipped food, than our southern birds..
Rob

[Phil01]

Yes, great job guys! I’m sure they needed the extra nutrition to continue their journey home!
Flipping super worms and waxing starlings, sounds like a perfect day to me!

[Spiderman]

LOL……Years ago I had about 13 Martins one spring then that afternoon I had over 70 Martins come in for the night.

I was elated thought this is the easiest hobby ever. The next night I had 13 Martins come in.

[C.C.Martins]

LOL……Years ago I had about 13 Martins one spring then that afternoon I had over 70 Martins come in for the night.

I was elated thought this is the easiest hobby ever. The next night I had 13 Martins come in.

Hahahahahahaha!!!!! Bet you were!!!!! Whats all the waiting years about??? This is easy! Hahaha!

[Phil01]

Spiderman, that’s hilarious! Hahaha I’m the best landlord EVER! lol