Visitors

[Guest]

Our "people home" is still under construction - (we're hoping to achieve occupation in this life) and although we visit the site before and after work every day to check out our gourd rack, we have seen nothing remotely resembling a Purple Martin overhead or anywhere else. We know they are busy building nests in all the areas we have found housing surrounding us, but the nearest site we know of is about eight miles away. My heart has been a little heavy, but I didn't really expect any early success.
Preparing to try again next year, but last night we went to check the tile work late afternoon (around 4:30 pm) and we saw four birds circling high above the lake. The profile looked OK - two had light breasts - their flying was spectacular. They came closer and closer - but not one landed before I had to leave for a listing appointment.
Even if they don't come back or stay - at least they found our spot. Hard to believe what a rush it was to see them!
Gotta run - it's almost dawn and we're going over to see if anyone is still there.

[Guest]

mavou,

When I first attracted my martins last year. I played the dawn song, had a couple decoys on housing and even spattered a little mud under the crescent doors to make it looked as other birds were staying there. IMO it has worked for me. I have seen them come and go for 4-5 years. But last year after doing this I finally had 7 pair, 22 all together living there and had seen up to 40 hanging around.

Good luck!
Craig

[Guest]

This morning early, two birds still around. A pair. In and out of every gourd, much preening, a little vocalizing, and then they were off. A black bird (not starling) flew to the rack and perched. I was flying down to the dock to get rid of him - but before I could get there, the martins came out of nowhere, very angry, and strafed the blackbird. That was all I saw of them before I went to work.
Late this afternoon, I drove back by, and the pair were again perched on the gourd rack preening. We met a neighbor (about 3/4 mile away) who has his first martins this year as well.
I can't believe how I am looking forward to tomorrow morning! Talk about a proprietary feeling!! If I see the blackbird around again and can get a picture, I'd like to be sure I am making the correct ID. If I have a starling, this life long pacifist is going to have to consider drastic moves.
Just to note - I owe a lot to this excellent forum for teaching me what little I know, and for being such a terrific resource.
Thank you.

[Al Denton]

Mavou, Nothing like a visitor...right? I'm beginning to wonder if my "martin home" will ever see occupation " Ain't seen hyde nor hair" of a martin here this year (still early) Living in Florida on the water does sound promising for you. Good luck, and enjoy your visitors. Al

[Guest]

Congrats, Mavou! It must be very exciting! Do let us know how your new colony goes.