Could it be him???
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Paul Stein
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:28 am
- Location: Georgia/LaGrange
I hate to ask a dumb question but I was just wondering if anybody had proof-maybe (by banding?)-that the same bird arrived back at their site? I had a big male come in saturday Feb 26th and made about 2 circles and went straight to a gourd that successfully fledged martins the last 2 years. 09 was the 1st year and 1st bird arrived March 10,last year a big male came March 1,made about 2 circles and went straight into the same gourd. Saturday was the same thing-first sighting- a big male came in and went straight in the same gourd like he owned it. I (like many others I bet!) "feel" like this is the same bird but who knows. One other question I have not found by searching is -is there any knowledge of average number of years a martin may live? Just wondering?Thanks, Paul By the way he was joined by 2 friends this evening when he returned!!!!!
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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.
I've had a couple of adult males like that. Hard to say for sure, as I don't have any banded. Interested in seeing others' observations.
As to your question about how long they live - this is in the FAQ:
2. What are the size and age characteristics of Purple Martins? Adult Purple Martins (Progne subis subis) weigh an average of 1.9 ounces (55 grams); their average length is 7½ inches (19.5 centimeters); and their average wingspan is about 11¼ inches (26.8 centimeters). Average age for martins is 2-5 years, with some living 6-7 years; the oldest martin on record lived to be 13 years and 10 months.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forumarchiv ... ve/FAQ.htm
As to your question about how long they live - this is in the FAQ:
2. What are the size and age characteristics of Purple Martins? Adult Purple Martins (Progne subis subis) weigh an average of 1.9 ounces (55 grams); their average length is 7½ inches (19.5 centimeters); and their average wingspan is about 11¼ inches (26.8 centimeters). Average age for martins is 2-5 years, with some living 6-7 years; the oldest martin on record lived to be 13 years and 10 months.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forumarchiv ... ve/FAQ.htm
"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
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
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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.
Paul,
Yes it is likely the same one.
Martins return will to the exact same compartment as the previous year. They do not usually have the same mate however.
Banding has indeed proved this. The older the bird the earlier the arrival.
Some Martins are known to live 7+ years. 5 would be average perhaps.
Yes it is likely the same one.
Martins return will to the exact same compartment as the previous year. They do not usually have the same mate however.
Banding has indeed proved this. The older the bird the earlier the arrival.
Some Martins are known to live 7+ years. 5 would be average perhaps.
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.