It's finally starting to happen. After 8 years I have a pair. My persistant male found a mate and nest building started last Friday. Another ASY female hangs around, so I'm hoping for two soon.
A special thanks to Barb Messimer Barb sent me some "Magic" nest material. She offered it to me to try and I took her up on it. To make things interesting I told Barb that if I get a pair to use a compartment supplied with the "magic" she wins a dinner for two(her choice) Barb should be getting the payoff just about now(Dinner for two at The Olive Garden) I hope you enjoy it Barb, and thanks for the magic
Yes Emil, that's right. The new front yard location was also probably a big factor. I had to squeeze it in between my driveway and the property line, but the martins don't mind that.
I am so happy for you! You sure have been working hard for so long to attract martins and it has now happened. That move to another location in your yard probably helped too along with Barb's "magic"!
Now if CUL Lou and Fred from Michigan can attract some martins, then this Forum will have even more to celebrate.
Al that's most excellent news! Now I suppose the constant vigil begins. You won't be able to drop your guard until the eggs hatch and the little ones fledge. It's one peak after another I imagine. I'm curious how having a comitted pair will affect the daily goings on at your housing. Will the nest-building and later constant feeding serve as advertisement and will you see more Martins than ever just stopping by to evaluate your setup? Many wannabees stand to learn a lot from your observations so please keep up informed as best you can. Thanks and good luck! Fred in Michigan
Congratulations to you Al. Those martins finally came thru for the both of us this year, only you have been trying twice as long as me. I hope some more show up and you have a very successful year!!!!
You have a fantastic setup in a great location. Maybe a little "magic" was all you needed. We'll never know for sure but I'll gladly accept the credit and the dinner! Ha! I can smell the garlic already!
Seriously, I am absolutely THRILLED for you! I bet you end up with several pairs before the season's end and this is just the start.... You'll have even more to look forward to next year!
I know it's been a long time coming but your studying, hard work and patience has finally paid off!
This is a good lesson for other wannabies. DON'T GIVE UP!! Evaluate and re-evaluate EVERYTHING until you get just the right combination.
Thanks so much to all of you guys...and I really hope Fred and Lou and the others have such luck soon. It's so great to watch the daily activities of these martins. I've learned a lot in two weeks. Right now I don't see them much, but the period of laying eggs should come soon.
Fred, The daily going ons does seem to attract others. Sometimes they return with other birds. One bird in particular is a little asy female who wears a red band. She seems really interested and I expect her to bring a male in anytime. The word seems to be spreading. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat thinking about fledging just the one pair. I feel like I still have a ways to go. Maybe the subs will finally show up.
Thanks again Barb. What has happened to me is proof why you should never give up. It can even happen at a small "mid-town" urban site right here in the middle of Raleigh.
A big congratulations from me too, and also a big long Woooo Hoooo!
You know what is coming next dont you? If you get more than one pair to nest I will be hitting you up for some of your "magic" (and maby some of Barbs) nesting material. TeHe. At any rate enjoy your martins I know your life will be changed forever, maby some day I will expiernce what you are going thuough. Nothing happening at my site yet this year but no subbies here yet here either.
PMCA member and Martin fanatic....
2011 A pair of subbies fledged three young but none returned in 2012
2015 One Pair of subbies came and stayed a few nits but got chased away by Bluebirds and Tree swallows.
2017 0ne pair of subbies nested and fledged 4 young
2018 Tree Swallows AGAIN chased away any martins that wanted to nest
2019 Same old story................
Three cheers and a hoot for you. Nothing going here yet but I am delighted, to hear, of anyone's success. That puts me one day closer, to the possilble start I seek.
Congrats Al, When you have to wait a very long time for something to happen it makes the feeling of accomplishment that much more enjoyable. It must feel like Christmas when you were a kid, eh? Good job, and dont forget to change your profile.
Hello Al,
That is sooo great to hear and it just made my night to hear that moving in the front did it! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now you are one of us! HA! I sure hope you get some more and it sounds like you will! Keep us posted!!! John!
dhurdtMn, I have some more of Barb's stuff. You know I'd me glad to send you soon. Same for Lou and Fred and a few more. Send mailing address. There's time
Barb sent me some "Magic" nest material. She offered it to me to try and I took her up on it. To make things interesting I told Barb that if I get a pair to use a compartment supplied with the "magic" she wins a dinner for two(her choice) Barb should be getting the payoff just about now(Dinner for two at The Olive Garden) I hope you enjoy it Barb, and thanks for the magic 
I am so HAPPY for YOU 
