Green leaves in nest and 1 straw in nest

[LCM]

Good afternoon my PM friends, PLEASE, I am really needing answers this evening. Here goes, 3 nests have green leaves, one nest has quite a few, 2 nests one or two leaves, BUT here is a my worry, 1 pine straw in one nest, I’m wondering if the pine straw is from BB? As many of you know I have had several weeks of relocating BB’s from PM boxes their own BB boxes, to another area in a close by pasture, and finally thankfully succeeded.
Having raised quite a few BB’s when a box is claimed a few straw is placed in box, like putting your name on the claim. I do know dirt and straw is what PM builds with.
My questions, do you think BB’s could have put straw?
Do you think I have more than one nest being built?
Reason I’m asking more than one nest being built is since March 6 I have been reporting ONLY 1 female is spending the night. I truly am blown away by discovering the beginning of few nests just being built after letting down Trendsetter.
Sorry for wording out of place in description of this post, or least that’s what I feel.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and opinions.
Sincerely,
Linda from Many La

[brent]

Hi Linda. From my own experience martins select their compartment and stick to it. I mean if you have 3 nests being built I would say it’s 3 different pairs. You stated that you see only one female. I’m wondering if you’ve just missed seeing them. Really puzzling. Again, my experience is that, once you start seeing leaves, eggs will soon be laid. Martins bring in all sorts of things including pine needles. That doesn’t rule out the possibility of a BB placing a claim straw. I’d observe through out the day to see just what’s going on. Good luck! Brent

[LCM]

Mr Brent, thank you for responding. This evening late, as usual, here comes an entourage of 5 PM’s bringing in their lady.
I was tending to chickens so I definitely could have missed a lady.
Mr Brent, do males spend the night?
Don’t both male and female build the nest?
Thank you!!
Sincerely,
Linda from Many La

[LCM]

Thank you for anyone else that will weigh in. I guess I’m really anxious for martins, lol. I do believe the know is about to be found out.
Linda from Many La

[LCM]

Oh yes, I just thought of one more question, those little metal trays inside the trendsetter, this is probably a crazy question but I want to make sure. Is the wire mesh supposed to be positioned where it’s holding the Martin up off the floor?
Thank you!
Linda from Many La

[brent]

Yes, the wire nest tray is suppose to keep the nest off the floor. Yes, both male and female build the nest. And yes, the male and female both stay in the compartment at night. Sounds like you have a colony of martins. Congratulations. Good luck! Brent