First Martin - early

Frank Hargis-IL · Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:44 pm

Our first martin of 2006 arrived today, about 10 days earlier than our average over the last 14 years. Have only had one year with the first arrival earlier than this - that was 1999 with the first one arriving on March 2nd.

For those who might want to know, we live in Flora, IL. - about 100 miles east of St. Louis on U.S. Route 50.

Frank

John Atteberry · Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:13 pm

Hello Frank,
Congrats on your first martin of the year! How far are you from Nature Society in Griggsville, IL.? I visit that place a couple of times! Thanks John

Frank Hargis-IL · Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:16 am

Hi John,

We're about 200 miles from Griggsville by highway and about 140 as the crow flies. We were there a few years ago. Kinda disappointed. Saw more sparrows in the marting houses than martins. The tower was a sight, but was told that it was put up by Nature House but the city was supposed to maintain it and was doing a poor job.

Luck,

Frank

Glen Webb Jr · Thu Mar 09, 2006 12:53 pm

Oh yeah baby, I always look forward for your scout posting Frank. Thanks for the heads up.

My first arrivals seem to average 2-8 days around your scouts. I'm so excited now I want to leave work and stare at the gourds. I put up all my SREH gourds over the weekend and Monday. I figured it was a little early, but looks like I was wrong. Haven't seen a tree swallow yet, but then I haven't been outside a lot either. Keep thinking I hear them but it's always the horned larks singing overhead.

Frank Hargis-IL · Thu Mar 09, 2006 6:18 pm

Hey Glen,

Was up close to you today. Effingham. Lots of water, huh? Hope your birds start showing up soon. With all the rain I decided to try feeding the lone male here this morning. I feed mealworms shot through a straw and he took the first one. Then a bunch more. Ain't it something he remembered after the long trip to Brazil and back!!! Hope to see some more soon.

You ever get down Flora way stop in.

Frank

Sherrie · Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:49 pm

Hey Frank -

Did you ever forget to BLOW when you're feeding those mealworms through the straw? HeHe...

Frank Hargis-IL · Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:48 am

Sherrie,

In answer to your question just let me say - Some people cook and eat mealworms. Never tried this so I don't know if I would like the flavor or not, but I do know I don't like the flavor of the raw ones!!!

Frank

Glen Webb Jr · Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:50 pm

LMAO!!! Maybe it's an acquired taste like coffee?

I've been watching and watching, but still nothing. Did see two tree swallows this morning and that was so awesome. Such friendly little guys. Fortunately starlings haven't been too problematic so far. Been catching them everyday in the S/S nestbox trap. Truthfully, as anxious as I am for those birds to start showing up, I wish I could send them all a postcard and tell them to wait till April 1st. I pray I don't have to go through the deaths and misery I experienced last spring.

You ever get down Flora way stop in.

Hmmm, I was in the area about 2 weeks ago. I sent you a private message btw.

klcretired · Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:04 pm

Congrat's Frank ......Thats good news