"A Sight For Sore Eyes"

[Al Denton]

Just in case any of you folks happen to look in the Scout Report today and see my name under NC there is good reason An ASY male martin was here in the flesh, right here in my yard. Earlier this morning I had made one loop around my backyard with the mower when I happened to look down toward the front yard and saw him clinging to a round hole natural gourd. This is my new setup in a better location. I cut the mower off and pulled up a seat to enjoy the show for as long as it lasted knowing it could be the last I ever saw of the guy. He seemed to like it all, and really enjoyed the power lines across the street. He's gone, so it's back to work. Who knows, maybe he went to get some friends.

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

Gosh Al, I sure hope he comes back. They must like the front yard better!

[Steve Kroenke]

Al,

I am so happy for you! I sure hope this male martin decides to establish territory and recruit a mate at your colony. You have been trying so long to attract martins! Your new set-up in a new location may be the right combination to establish your martin colony. Please keep us posted.

Steve

[Fred Kaluza~MI]

Way to go Al. I'm rooting for ya!

[Al Denton]

Thanks Guys, It'll be interesting if this potential colonist returns, and if he returns with a female what her reaction will be to the new location. In the past what looked good for the male maybe didn't look all that good the female. I'm not ready to blame the backyard just yet although I have one oak tree about 100 ft. from the setup back there I was always a little suspect of. It's going to be interesting to see what happens if anything. So far, no problems with my neighbors about the setup in the front.

[floridasunshinegoddess]

Al, I'm not surprised. I was sure you'd get Martins this year!!! And no one deserves it any more than you! Please let us know if he comes back (I'm betting he will!) And, by the way, does that round natural gourd have "Martin Magic Stuff" in it???

[Al Denton]

Yes Barb, That gourd contains the "stuff" I have two gourds open and two compartments open on the Coates (crescents) They all contain the stuff. Just think...This morning a martin from who knows where was walking around way up here on nesting material from florida. Pretty cool! He has not returned that I know of, but I'll be checking on things in the morning.

[floridasunshinegoddess]

Al, that makes me so happy! I'm absolutely thrilled.... Can't wait to hear that he's spending the night and that your new colony is off and running!

[Al Denton]

Well, This guy returned earlier today with a female. They stuck around about 30 minutes and took off for about an hour. He just returned with... I assume the same female. He's trying. BTW, this is the first ASY female ever to be at my place. We'll see what happens.

[Sue]

Al, I am "tickled pink" for you. You will never, ever, forget the first pair that stay. Sue

[Guest]

AL!!! This is so exciting! I just know that you are on Cloud 9, 24 hours a day. I remember the excitement I felt 4 years ago when our first martins arrived...it is a priceless experience.

Smiling for you in Georgia!

Keep us posted, we are anxious for the next update!

[floridasunshinegoddess]

Oh yes, Al, I think you've snagged yourself a pair! So happy for you!!!

[Mary Wilson-SW Ont]

Al, this is very exciting ..... I hope, hope, hope they return and start your colony. Al "landlord" Denton has a nice ring to it

[John Barrow]

Hi Al.

Your friends in South Texas send congratulations and wish you the best of luck. May this be the beginning of a great season with many martins. As we drive around the mid Texas coast and see lots of martins clinging to deathtrap houses, there is never a time that we don't think about friends with good offerings, knowledge, and an earnest desire to help the martins, and wonder why they are not there-with those without who would love them. We are thrilled some have settled in at your place.

Have a great year. John Barrow, Corpus Christi, TX

[Al Denton]

I really appreciate all the very kind words of encouragement folks .... I was gone all afternoon yesterday and got home late last night. Today, haven't seen any here yet. I did however check a site earlier this morning 4 miles away. The two setup site was completely full of ASY birds and a bunch to spare. With SY's arriving soon maybe that's a good sign coming from this site anyway. I don't know for sure, but I have a hunch my visitors are coming from over there. Whatever happens, it a lot of fun. Al

[Al Denton]

....and he's back today working my place hard. This morning I witnessed him tossing some loose membrane from the inside of gourd to the ground. He showed up later with a female for a quick look around. She showed enough interest to actually enter a gourd briefly and then they were off. He's around now and is spending more time flying around the vacinity of my site. I'm not about to declare I've got a pair yet, but he's still working his butt off. I'll be out of town tomorrow, and hopefully he's made some headway by Thursday.

[klcretired]

This is what makes it fun and exciteing, I wish you a Great Martin Year this year.

[Sue]

Al, Thanks for letting us know how things were going - I was wondering. Your news sounds VERY good. Crossing my fingers!

[Al Denton]

Fun is why I've done this for 8 years K.C Thanks again Sue..my fingers crossed too.