More Nests than Birds

[Elmo]

I have one 12 compartment house, modified to six apartments, and an eight gourd pole. On my last nest check, I counted four nests in my house and seven of eight gourds with eggs/hatchlings. The most birds I've counted is 14. I am not discounting the possibility of a counting error, but with 11 populated nests, shouldn't I have 22 Martins?

[Martintown33]

Hi.. some Martin pairs will build 2 nests in 2 different compartments.. the male will protect the second compartment nest, and try to run off any other males or females wanting to use it.. unless another male fights and wins it, then you will have fullly finished nests with no eggs.. I have 3 of those this season. I have some SY males that challenge for these compartments but so far have not really put up a full blown fight to get it..
Rob

[Elmo]

Thanks for the reply. FWIW, all these compartments have eggs/hatchlings. Thats why I was puzzled.

[defed]

you're saying all 11 nests have eggs? so far, i've had martins 3 yrs (this is the 4th but they just started bringing in material) and every yr, i've had at least 1 pair build 2 full nests with green leaves. they didn't lay in the 2nd, but it was built.

[Martintown33]

Ok Elmo. I thought you meant you had finished nests with no eggs. That is not uncommon for the reason I stated. Sorry, I don’t know why you have more nests with eggs than nesting martins. Are all the eggs , Martin eggs? No starlings or hosps around? Bluebirds? Are all the eggs pure white in color? Martin eggs are all white.
Rob