Nest building started today

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

Seemed like about 20 different ones started to build their nests today, they were bringing in sticks, mud, and leaves. Last year, there was no mud there! smile.....We already got about as much rain this year as we got last year. Its funny how they all seem to follow along with what one starts. When they start going to the eggshell feeder, the same thing happens, there ain't enough room for all of them on the eggshell feeder...Lets play "follow the leader"

[Louise Chambers]

Ours have not started yet, Emil - but pretty soon, I hope. John is watching for subadults, so hard to get a look at them when all the birds are being goofy in the evening.

This year's rain is such a blessing! We could still use MORE though, our area still in worst stage of drought. But a lot better than 2011, so we are hopeful it will be a much better year for martins.

[Joe Levins]

Emil, mine also started building today. My egshell feeder is also a nest material platform. I filled it with pine straw this morning and it's empty now. You are right when you say when one starts the others follow.

[Chriscreole]

Were just getting started up here, almost have the HOSP under control. I swear the HOSP own a construction company the way they build nests so fast.

We have about 8 Martins right now 3 are female ASY, but expecting more by end of month. I'm surprised your getting this far along already.

good luck everyone.

[steve r]

Nest building going on like crazy here. Also had 17 eggs when i did a nest check on Saturday. Also still have new birds showing up daily.

[Kevin-GA]

Hey Emil, Nest building going strong it south Ga. also, there were probably 20 Martins on the ground at one time today collecting pine straw and chopped corn stalks. I now have between 60 and 70 birds but no sy males yet.
Last year I put out oyster shells in mid April and within a day or so, they were all over them. I put them out this year about 10 days ago and they haven't touched them yet (same bag) do they have to start laying before their interested or what?

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

Kevin, they usually start on eggshells about 10 to 15 days after they start building nests.

Its a strange season in a way with nestbuilding in Ga and Alabama already, the weather is so warm..