The end of an amazing era. 3 cheers to Buddy.

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ToyinPA
Posts: 2227
Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
Location: PA/Avis
Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.

Glad he made it home again :).

Toy in PA
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Martintown33
Posts: 1366
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2021 6:21 pm
Location: Laplace,La
Martin Colony History: Colony started in 1998. 2 s&k modified houses and gourd rack

How awesome is that! Man I thought it wasnt looking good for your old friend… how great y’all are joined again! Buddy is a champion.. I’m glad you were there to witness his arrival,… 3 cheers for buddy! Such great news!
Enjoy the return of your loyal friend..
Rob
PMCA member
Laplace, La
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brent
Posts: 1281
Joined: Sat Feb 10, 2018 2:43 pm
Location: Raceland, Louisiana

Heart warming. What a story. Just amazing. Loved it. Thanks for sharing. Brent
Brent
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Kegger
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Sep 15, 2019 8:58 am
Location: Awesome Florida
Martin Colony History: 2020: 2 pair of SY with 4 eggs ,fledge 7
2021: 5 pair 25 eggs fledge 18, 4 egg 2nd brood attempt
2022: 13 pair 61 eggs fledge 56 added 11 cavs. now 22 total
2023 15 pair 75 eggs fledge 51 only 3 of 11 eggs hatched cavity 10
2024 11 pair 50 eggs fledge
26. 1 renest cav1, cav10 8 eggs 8 fledged 2 couples ASY and Sy

This is terrific news Doug!! glad to hear Buddy is alive and kicking!! CONGRATS!!!!! 8)
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Birdiegirl
Posts: 367
Joined: Sun May 24, 2020 7:03 pm
Location: Scott County Kentucky
Martin Colony History: Two poles: 2 T-14s and 8 gourds
2021- 1 pair, 5 fledged
2022- 11 pair, 36 fledged
2023- 20 pair, 78 fledged
2024- 32 pair, 109 fledged
2025- 34 pair, 117 fledged
2026-

I love a happy ending! Can't imagine how happy you were to hear his return. Celebrating with you- have a GREAT season and thanks for sharing your story.
Laura
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Doug Martin - PA
Posts: 1988
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.

Buddy sure is popular. Thanks all.

He spent most of the day resting up in his gourd yesterday. I had to knock on the pole to get him out to eat. temperature never made it to 50 degrees. I would never have known he was there had I not witnessed him coming in.

This morning I went out after the cold rain ended. I called for him from the patio and he came out. He ate about 10 crickets and went back in. Temperature was 46. It's amazing how far he dives down from way up above to get a cricket! His "wing tucked" superman dive is something to see each time. He looks down from way up till I move my arm. Our timing is impeccable with each toss. For an old bird he is doing just fine! Good old Buddy!

Now, this afternoon, warm air has come in with high winds from the south. This could bring in some more birds to the area.

Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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Martintown33
Posts: 1366
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2021 6:21 pm
Location: Laplace,La
Martin Colony History: Colony started in 1998. 2 s&k modified houses and gourd rack

That really is awesome how trained buddy is, and the bond you 2 have.. must be such fun tossing crickets to him as he dives down to catch them..
Rob
PMCA member
Laplace, La
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Ladybug
Posts: 243
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Indiana/ Jamestown
Martin Colony History: 2005-2019. Lots lookers, 2 successful nesting's.
2010-1 pair nested, 4 eggs destroyed(Wren).
2012- 1 pair nested, 4 eggs, 4 fledged
2019- 1 pair nested, 4 eggs, 4 fledged.
2021- 10 pair, 40 babies fledged.
2022- 17 pair, 10 eggs not hatched= appxy. 57 fledged.

Good For Buddy==Wonderful Heartwarming story with a Lovely Ending. Congrats to Buddy and You.
Enjoy the Season...
Joanne
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hobbiehobbie
Posts: 29
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2021 9:09 am
Location: Tuscaloosa AL

Oh thank goodness! The first time I read this story was heart wrenching...the update brings me tears of happiness. Welcome back Buddy!!!
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Kegger
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Sep 15, 2019 8:58 am
Location: Awesome Florida
Martin Colony History: 2020: 2 pair of SY with 4 eggs ,fledge 7
2021: 5 pair 25 eggs fledge 18, 4 egg 2nd brood attempt
2022: 13 pair 61 eggs fledge 56 added 11 cavs. now 22 total
2023 15 pair 75 eggs fledge 51 only 3 of 11 eggs hatched cavity 10
2024 11 pair 50 eggs fledge
26. 1 renest cav1, cav10 8 eggs 8 fledged 2 couples ASY and Sy

Hey Doug how is buddy doing?
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Stingray
Posts: 426
Joined: Wed May 11, 2005 9:45 pm
Location: Plantation/Florida
Martin Colony History: 2005 to present

Doug,
I just read your story and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonderful relationship.
I'd never heard of a Purple Martin living so long. That is wonderful.
Congrats on his return this year and here's to you having an awesome season.👍

Regards,
2025 season 16 pairs 63 fledged


Have a great season!


Plantation, Florida
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