Last year I had 56 pairs hatch at least 4 eggs, and all but two young fledged. One of the best, if not the best, seasons I’ve ever had. I put in some work over the winter replacing traction pads and loose pins in my gourds and replacing some hardware in my racks, looking forward to a bunch of birds this year.
April 11th is the latest my birds have ever returned. On the 15th, 4 birds showed up and were singing and exploring the gourds. Three adult males and probably an adult female. I was relieved. Saw about the same mix Tuesday. Since then, I’ve had one adult male hanging around and nothing else. He’s flying around alone singing.
Nothing has changed anywhere close to our home or the racks. No cleaners used that could make the houses unattractive. No predatory birds seen hanging around
I know of one other colony within a couple of miles. I’ve driven by it a couple of times and not seen any birds there. I haven’t stopped to ask about their birds, as I don’t know them and no one was outside.
There is a large Amish population several miles away, and I’ve asked a few of them and they all have their birds back, and have had them back for several weeks. Most in the area seem to beat me by at least a couple of weeks year in and year out.
I’m not giving up yet, but I’m very disappointed.