GIRLSCOUT ARRIVES IN SEGUIN TX

TONY FREDERICKSON - TEXAS · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:20 pm

At 540pm, an ASY Female was seen by Sharon & I circling overhead, feeding silently and then making an abbreviated descent and missed approach. Then as she circled some more I heard her do a female call and an alarm call. A sharp shin hawk passed by below her turning North. After a few minutes she made a successful landing and then entered through an excluder/Lonestar... #1608... A surprise, since females are always late, and that's that--- two days late following John Barrows final day in Judge's training.

Friend In Texas

Ken&Sheryle - TX · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:33 pm

Hi Tony, I have been keeping an eye on the forum to see when you would post with your 1st Purple Martin. Wow, a female huh? Must have been exciting to see your 1st Purple Martin of the year. The weather is not that great here however I am so excited. I keep looking out the backyard but I know it is kinda early for PMs...although this will be our 3rd year..we may get one earlier this year. We don't have the houses up yet. Do you think I should put the houses up now???

Congratulations Tony....Great news...I can't wait until I see our 1st Purple Martin.

Friend in Helotes,
Sheryle & Ken

Dale Hrncirik · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:34 pm

Tony,

That's great news! and thanks for the report

I've been anxious for a week since martins in Tx are late as far as the south Tx reports go. Are you seeing many flying insects in your hood? I hope so and praying for rain tomorrow. We've only had a spit in the bucket since August...maybe about 1 or 2 inches. Everything is super crispy here in N. TX. Hopefully the low lakes in the area will supply enough food for the martins but I'm still worrying and not sure about this year. I wonder if the martins sense a lack of food and delayed their arrival? Have a great year!

Dale

apundt-TX · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:41 pm

I have been looking for a report from you or John Barrow since thursday. Your colony seems to start the year off for all of us Texans each year. Congrats!

A.P.

Emil Pampell-Tx · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:49 pm

Congratulations, I usually get my first one the next day after yours, so I will be looking tomorrow!

TONY FREDERICKSON - TEXAS · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:52 pm

Hi Ken, Sheryle, and Dale--- Great to hear from friends again

This event never ceases to not be exciting... better than Christmas morning as a kid? Yeah!! Dale-- I have seen insects aloft, in fact, I saw her feeding some before she landed. However, I am worried about the whole eco-system with the this drought. It's trying to rain now and more is forecasted. We need it. Ken & Sheryle, when did your martin scout arrive last year? I think you will be safe to wait til early Feb. --- It doesn't hurt to put equipment up now as long as you can keep the rat birds and s nasties under, if you KWIM.

Take care ---

T Seber · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:53 pm

Way to go Tony

I always watch for you, Emil, and some of the Texas gang to kick the season off down there. Probably thirty to thirty five more days for me, maybe even a little more.

TONY FREDERICKSON - TEXAS · Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:57 pm

Thanks Emil, Thurman & Apundt. Emil, I believe you were ahead of me last year. Good luck to all the great martin friends

Guest · Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:06 pm

Congratulations Tony, That's great news!!!!

let the season begin

Colleen

Guest · Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:41 pm

Congrats, Tony. Your felmale wasn't too far behind John

We all know you will have a great season, but good luck anyway.

The rain has started here in Katy. It's coming off the Gulf so will probably be heading your way. It's 70% chance tomorrow. No insects flying around here.

Best of martin seasons to you,

Lanell

Dave S (Texas) · Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:56 pm

That's great news! Thanks for the excitement! My colony house and gourds are ready, house heater is ready to be plugged in and I've got crickets on the way. This season is very much like the 2004 season. Warm Jan then freezing rain/snow on the 13th-14th of Feb. Our weather is turning a little sour, but I'm confident of an early-bird or two.

TONY FREDERICKSON - TEXAS · Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:37 pm

Thanks Lanell, Colleen & Dave,

Best to you this season

floridasunshinegoddess · Sun Jan 22, 2006 7:39 am

Hi Friend in Seguin! Good to hear your report! Even though you're a seasoned veteran, I know nothing compares with the thrill of seeing that first Martin! It never ceases to amaze me how they can make that long trip and then show up on your doorstep! They must be "flying fools".... No, I wouldn't call them fools... That's just an expression. How about "flying geniuses"!!

Hope you have many more today!

Adam Romain · Sun Jan 22, 2006 9:38 am

Hey Seguin neighbor, that's great news!!!

The martins are finally back in the Lonestar state! Wish you all the best this season!

apundt-TX · Sun Jan 22, 2006 9:46 am

Tony,
How many did you see there this morning.

A.P.

klcretired · Sun Jan 22, 2006 9:46 am

Great News to hear Tony,Let The Games Begin.... Man , I'm even more anxious than ever Now. Like everyone I have been really watching the Skies closely every available moment that i have....Man all of this excitement has made me forget about all my pain from my total Knee replacement......I'm ready for my Martin Friends and i'm ready to give them the best home and protection that i can.....Good Luck Everyone!!

Guest · Sun Jan 22, 2006 11:58 am

Tony and Sharon!!! How absolutely wonderful

we know how excited yau'll were, and now that you have your little girl at home, we hope ours will not be that far behind. With your living so near to us,. it should not be long now. It is just such a yukky day, but I will not complain at all. Gob has blessed us with some much needed rain. I am going to be going to go to Petsmart and getting some crickets for the time being and will be ordering some via the internet. We have never had any success with trying to feed them in the past, but I feel that they have had a hard season so far, what with the tragedy in Louisiana and the surrounding states, I do not know what food sources they have had available. What do you think? Again, we are thrilled for you, and the best and the happiest of a season to yau'll. Don and Holly

Craig Haddox · Sun Jan 22, 2006 12:27 pm

Tony, congratulation's on your first arrival. Good luck this year.

TONY FREDERICKSON - TEXAS · Sun Jan 22, 2006 2:16 pm

Thanks Friends---------Great to hear from you all. Holly-- there is a food shortage going on -- but I'm old fashioned about feeding the Martins. This day will pass and tomorrow will be a nice day temp wise. She has stayed in quarters all day. I've seen her

looking out to check things

.. maybe later if it stops raining. We do need the rain

Take care- Friend In Seguin

Ken&Sheryle - TX · Sun Jan 22, 2006 2:58 pm

Hi Tony,

Last year we got our first pair on 2/13/06. It probably is a little bit early to put the houses up. I am going to put up the houses Feb 1st.

I just can't believe the time has went and come and now a new season for Purple Martins. It is like Christmas:)

Friends in Helotes,

Ken & Sheryle