What a difference a day makes! (FINALLY!)

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MamaBruff
Posts: 1466
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:21 pm
Location: SW Missouri
Martin Colony History: 2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.

OK, now I can say "I have a pair of Purple Martins"! :grin: Just now, in the fading twilight (745 PM) I heard a loud squawk, and they were back! Mr. Romeo and his lovely lady wasted no time slipping into compartment #2, She sat on the porch looking around for a minute while he fluffed the pine straw for a cozy night, then quickly slipped in for the night.... :grin: The really fun thing is the chosen spot faces my human house and window! Since they are tucked in now, I can pay attention to what I am doing!

Chuck, I think you are right, all that warm wind this weekend helped bring them in.

Ed, Do we ever really get "done"? hehe Actually, I had everything all ready for them. Didn't get a feeder up yet, but I do have my oyster shells.

Sharon, It certainly was chilly here this morning also! Sounds like you have a keeper at your place.

Doug, Yes you are right about that Better Late business! Still I am glad they are "home"!

Mark, I think Mr Romeo IS a sweet talker! AND a very lucky guy!

Deb, I can't believe he brought in a single lady in just a few hours! I would do a cartwheel, but need to stay out of the hospital! Happy dancing will have to do! Thank you for being my e-mentor, and holding your breath with me!

Dorn, I am so glad to hear your numbers are up today. Maybe whatever was holding them back has given way and they will start pouring in!

Chris, Isn't it great to see them again! A sigh of relief and joyful giggles. I doubt if these are my founders either, but I did have an SYM here all season last year who favored the compartment this pair has chosen. Seems a little early for a 3rd year bird, however.

Kathy, That M&M clip is Hilarious! :lol: But I couldn't scold him, I was so happy just to see him and interact with him! He is quite the charmer.

Buddy, Club 609 is a great place indeed! Nice atmosphere, and I've heard they have gone smoke free. http://club609.com/

Dick, I hope your weather straightens up! You are a wonderful landlord!

Jose, It's addictive, isn't it?! I love watching the birds more than just about anything. Good luck this year!

Peter, Thank you. I agree, most of us get "hooked" as birders when we are youngsters. A great lifelong hobby!

Debbie, Thank you, I hope this pair does recruit in more birds. I wonder how long it will be before nesting will commence. I have heard sometime after SYs arrive...?

Threelilkids, thank you for the warm weather, it did warm up nicely today! Maybe it will blow on up to the folks that have their birds snowed in! BRRR!

You folks are the best! (group hug)
~Mary B~

Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
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Berndog
Posts: 184
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:33 am
Location: OH/Bethel

Congradulations mamabruff,My " pair" showed up this past saturday as well ! I can totally relate to your enthusiasm ! This is my second yr as a landlord and "oh what a feeling " when your founding birds return !....Berndog :grin:
2013-1PAIR
2014-1PAIR
2015-2PAIR
2016-4PAIR
2017-5PAIR
2018-12PAIR
2019-21 PAIR
2020-30PAIR
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MamaBruff
Posts: 1466
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:21 pm
Location: SW Missouri
Martin Colony History: 2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.

Yes it is! I love it! There are quite a few of us second year landlords; IDK but Chuck4 may just be in the lead with 4 pair. Lucky dog. Maybe the rest of us will catch up soon! :grin:
~Mary B~

Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
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Tim Mangan-Kansas
Posts: 1728
Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair

Mary:

I have been waiting, waiting and waiting for you to announce your first arrival. Hopefully the female stayed with him last night at your site and they both will be out recruiting to help your colony grow. Congrats.

Tim
Licensed Bander
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
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MamaBruff
Posts: 1466
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:21 pm
Location: SW Missouri
Martin Colony History: 2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.

Tim,

Thanks Tim, this pair seem to be "Keepers"... They stayed all night and were here off and on all morning. They were all fluffed up since it was so chilly this morning. The Little Mrs checked in all the compartments and spent a lot of time in #2, where they stayed last night. I don't think either of them stayed here last year, as that former nest spot is still vacant. Maybe smearing the mud helped, who knows?

The wind is HOWLING today, so I went out to lower the house a couple of feet... No martins anywhere... then "AAACK!" Here came Mr Romeo like a miniature black fighter jet, scolding me again! That's "HIS" house! :lol:
~Mary B~

Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
Top
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Mary,
We need a MamaBruff update today!
Please, I need something to brighten my day.
I know that you are a very busy woman. How is that spring garden coming along?
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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MamaBruff
Posts: 1466
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:21 pm
Location: SW Missouri
Martin Colony History: 2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.

OK here ya go...

This morning, it's cool and overcast. M/M Romeo returned from morning feeding and lounged around the house. She looks like a glamour gal with dark eye makeup, wearing a grey fox jacket. It is time for her beauty nap, and Romeo busies himself with going in and out of all the compartments and gourds, announcing his findings in each one. "Yes, Dahling..."

Then the squawking welcome to a handsome ASYM visitor...

Image

The ASYM takes a tour and continues on his way.

Then a lovely ASYF appears. She wants a tour too! Mrs. Romeo obliges, telling the newcomer all about the place, and encourages her to check out compartment #2, which she does!

They are soon joined by the second ASYM, and excited chattering ensues. I think Romeo Realty has struck a deal with this couple, as the group of four continues to come and go this morning...

I'm so excited!!! :lol:

Image

The really cool thing to me is that my husband is getting hooked, too! (giggle)
~Mary B~

Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
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KathyF
Posts: 3522
Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
Location: Missouri/Licking
Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.

Congratulations, Mary!!! If they stay, you've effectively DOUBLED your colony over last year! Woohoo! 8)
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
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MamaBruff
Posts: 1466
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:21 pm
Location: SW Missouri
Martin Colony History: 2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.

Thanks! And the season is still early, too!! :grin:
~Mary B~

Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
Top
tonyg
Posts: 1520
Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Olpe, KS
Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..

Congrats to you Mary!! Hope you get a few more !!
22 year landlord..9 Rack Systems for 2018 and my home built T-8 for a total of 166 cavities..160 pair in 2018 ..SUPER COLONY!!! Love You Bev... Fan of those St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!
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Tim Mangan-Kansas
Posts: 1728
Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair

Mary:

Congrates and plenty of time to pick up more.

Tim
Licensed Bander
2015 - 14 Pair - fledged 68
2014 - Moved to Kansas - 7 Pair, 35 eggs, 28 fledged in first year
2010 Thru 2013 - Moved-Tried to start new colony
2009 - 46 pair, 217 eggs, 178 fledged
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4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Mary,
Chuck may have up to 4 pair at this time (don't know).
I have three pair of ASY and I will be full at my little 4 double compartment Trio Grandma with one more pair.
I have several sites which I mentor but I do not consider them in your count because those are effectively brand new sites.
With your Trendsetter and gourds below, I predict that you are going to beat us all!
What is the total capacity at your site this year?
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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Annie G
Posts: 341
Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2007 3:09 pm
Location: Wisconsin/Portage

I was so glad to read about your martins..I"m so jealous.. :wink: Keep up the good work and pick up a few more pairs. :grin: Annie
Keep trying and keep your chin up, its easier to see the martins coming!!
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MamaBruff
Posts: 1466
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:21 pm
Location: SW Missouri
Martin Colony History: 2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.

Tony and Tim,
Thank you guys for the encouragement, I hope the second pair stays and help recruit as the season chugs along. I'm anxiously waiting to see if M/M Precious and the gang of 3 SYMs from last year all return as well.

Mark,
I have total capacity of 16 including the gourds. We'll see how things go!
8)

Annie, I looked at your profile and saw how you have been trying for 23 years! My goodness! Bless your heart, surely THIS is your year! ((HUG)) If I have any spares, I promise to send them North. I know a couple of fellows from Iowa who need birds too! Good luck to you all!
~Mary B~

Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
Top
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Mary,
I am going to predict 7 pair this year for you. :wink:
Next year I think it will be 24 pair if it can be arranged. 8)
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Top
Berndog
Posts: 184
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:33 am
Location: OH/Bethel

YES!!!!!!!!!!!
2013-1PAIR
2014-1PAIR
2015-2PAIR
2016-4PAIR
2017-5PAIR
2018-12PAIR
2019-21 PAIR
2020-30PAIR
Top
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

I confirmed that I am back down to 2 pair of ASYs this evening.
Once it warmed back up, the other pair that was spending the nights here left. I am sure they are headed north.
I kept them warm and cozy in my fully insulated Trio Grandma over the cold days we had here.
I got some criticism earlier about insulating the wall until I explained that I have already put PVC elbow vents on all side walls. Currently the elbow vents have plugs in them to keep the house warm. When the spring gets warmer, I will remove the plugs to allow cool air into the house.

Mary,
Do you still like your Trendsetter?
My first choice is The Safe Haven (not currently available) and my extremely close second is the Trendsetter.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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Berndog
Posts: 184
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:33 am
Location: OH/Bethel

You think i should vent my super gourds & t-14 w/pvc elbows or maybe 45degree elbows ?
2013-1PAIR
2014-1PAIR
2015-2PAIR
2016-4PAIR
2017-5PAIR
2018-12PAIR
2019-21 PAIR
2020-30PAIR
Top
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

My in-laws in Ohio (Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Youngstown) tell me that it has been hot in Ohio these past few summers.
I have been using the PVC elbow vents because I can put plugs in them when it is still cold in the early spring.
I like the looks of the flush vents for a house but cannot see how they would work in a gourd. Of course, you cannot easily plug them for the cold days and nights of early spring.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Top
Berndog
Posts: 184
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:33 am
Location: OH/Bethel

How-about useing same size pvc cap that matches the pvc ? file the inside of the cap alittle so it doesn't require extra effort to remove ? whatcha think ?
2013-1PAIR
2014-1PAIR
2015-2PAIR
2016-4PAIR
2017-5PAIR
2018-12PAIR
2019-21 PAIR
2020-30PAIR
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