Good Evening Everyone,
Well I have taken ya'lls advice and become more than just a passive landlord. I took down my houses this afternoon to see what was going on inside. I have 11 completed nests and 3 partially built nests. No eggs yet that I could see but one bird refused to get out while I was checking them. I still have several SY males around and it is early. Last year I had 15 pair. I have had fits with the hawks this year and workers are walking under the houses all during the day(rebuilding the pier) so I guess it may not be a great year. Not sure the porch dividers are working that well. Nests are still spaced out about the same as last year. I know it is not a scientific test but the pine straw that I put in some of the nests doesn't seem to make much difference. Some are used some are not. Well I think I will treat the nests with sevin this weekend. I saw mites last July when I cleaned out the nests. That has to be uncomfortable for them. Hope everyone has good luck with your martins.
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