Looking to donate my PM set-up & accesories.

[Linda Janilla Peterson]

Hi!
It's been a long time since I've been on the forum. Long time PM enthusiast since the 1990s. After trying at this current site since 2003 - I am ready to end my attempts. Past successful colonies did not help here, despite the most PERFECT of locations. I bought this house because it was on a large natural pond and in my eyes - THE PM dream location- the pond supported several types of heron, ducks, geese....visiting loons and bald eagles, too. No encroaching trees - [one neighbor's tree HAS grown over the years...] Paying someone to keep the brush cut, not far from the house....etc, etc.....please, no suggestions - "been there, done that" and even taught and counseled others.

No luck with PMs despite: dawn song on outdoor speakers, pine straw in gourds, mud smeared on gourd walls, judicious sparrow and starling control. Every year, we would have spring visitors and fall flocks check out the site - no one ever stayed, despite the great insect supply that always had several swallow types feeding and successful nestings of tree swallows, barn swallows, cliff swallows nearby. I know my stuff, having been a consultant on bird books and active for years in state bluebird organization............... I just can't read the minds of the Purple Martins here....

I am looking to donate my set-up to a worthy group who would manage & monitor a PM site as it should be [church/camp/youth/inner city/non-profit/ nature center, etc]............ I'd be willing to sell at a very reasonable cost to an individual if I can't find a group to donate it to. Donation or purchase includes the new owners to come and take down the set-up. The base of the pole has been cemented in, but I know from having moved it once, that it is not too difficult to wiggle the base out of the ground.

So here goes......I have a PMCA deluxe 24-gourd rack with top perch. Pulley, never added the winch/cable. 12 gourds= 4 PMCA Super Gourds and 8 Naturelines. I have some owl guards for gourds, never used, I can't remember if I have all 12, but maybe. I have 2 CDs -Dawn Song and the Daytime Chatter. I have the Bird X Songbird Magnet [a sound system with electric eye/ 2 settings, Purple Martins or general songbirds -to attract the birds], Several PM specific books and all instructions for the pole and accessories. The gourds are intact, but need cleaning and the Super Gourds could use new caps. The pulley rope should be replaced -my plan had been to replace it with a winch & cable system once I had nesting success.

Everything goes. I'm past 60 now and don't have the physical energy [and no husband to direct!] or motivation to keep trying. Yes, I would LOVE to have PMs - but retirement approaches and I am not sure of my future plans. It has just become too late.

I'm located in Stillwater, Minnesota - about half-hour drive from the Twin Cities.

Give me a shout if you're interested! I could do a digital picture to email if needed. I'm in no hurry, but fall is a great time for some group to claim this set-up and spen winter time cleaning it up and getting things ready.

Thanks to all the Purple Martin old guard and the PMCA folks over the years [Jamie Hill? Where did you go?] The help here is amazing and I wish everyone well ! If I were 30 again - I wouldn't be giving up - such an amazing bird and a real joy to landlord!

Best wishes,
Linda Janilla Peterson

[Doug Martin - PA]

I could only tell you that it can sometimes take a while but it sure is worth the wait. You quickly forget all the years of trying.

Took me a while too.... 28 big ones to be exact. Others in my area have gone the same.

I now have a nice mature colony of 35 pairs. Sure is special!

Keep the housing and the faith. Pray every night. They will come.

They will be great company as you go through your 60s. I am sure you have had visitors. You just need to get them to stay.

Make one final effort... provide ultimate housing... and don't break any of the rules.

Doug

[Martin man RI]

Hi Linda
I dont blame you. Its not easy at all for northern Landlords. Martins are
common in Southern New England but only a few miles in land And there
a rare bird. Many new sites have been set up and the birds have been a no
show. I feel bad for anyone who has invested and got nothing. I had to build my sites up and sweat the first few years because i know once there gone thats it! I wish you the best and at least you will never have to worry
and stress like all of us over the Martin they are like one of the family
And when something bad happens its feels like your world has been turned upside down. I probably will continue help and educate folks for another
20 yrs. They are more common now then they ever have in RI so I will continue to help people. -----Ray

[Barry Wallace]

Hi Linda, their is a great purple martin group in Minnesota, several of their members set up and maintain public housing. I sent a message to one of their members about your post. Their website is MNmartin.org, they do great work.

[Louise Chambers]

Linda, it is nice to see you here again - it's been a long time!

Barry's suggestion is right-on; the MN martin working group are doing very good things to increase martin numbers and build public awareness.

Contact Kelly Applegate, if he has not already gotten hold of you.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/profi ... file&u=286

Of course if he talks you into trying a new strategy, we'd all be pleased to hear that worked for you - but your housing will be put to good use in the working group takes it over, too. It's generous of you to offer it.

Jamie Hill, retired, is having a good time chasing ivory-billed woodpeckers and hosting purple martins, still.

[Kelly Applegate~MN]

Hi Linda,

I remember you from years ago, sorry to hear the martins are so stubborn..... Been there myself! It took me 13 years to attract them in central MN!

If you would consider donating the equipment to our efforts I can assure you it will go to a good cause here in Minnesota to house martins. We have 30+ houses up as part of out conservation efforts here in MN with more slated for next spring.

Bye for now,

Kelly Applegate

[Linda Janilla Peterson]

Thanks for the comments - I've sent Kelly a personal email with contact details. It sure it tempting to "keep trying", but after years of being a nurse, the old back has caused problems. If I had a "purple martin lackey" to boss and direct - - well, maybe I'd try a bit longer! hahaha!!! As it stands, the gourds could use a washing and new caps, a winch with a cable would be a good idea, too. Some eager, younger, stronger person needs to make this work!

Kelly - I look forward to you answering my email.

Thanks everyone, for all the support over the years.....Louise -thanks for the ordering support over the years. I remember "IMing" with Jamie Hill on AOL years ago [too many to mention]. There was someone on here that I mailed a giant box of pine straw/needles to, there was the worry after a hurricane about some of our members and their safety....Watching the forum and PMCA grow has been amazing.

I seem to now remember that Jamie did go off Ivory Bill hunting - I met someone up here whose brother had been doing that with him.

Best wishes to all - please keep up the great work and pass on the love of the martins to our children and grandchildren!
Linda

[Louise Chambers]

Linda,

I believe Kelly was away last week but you should hear from him. Maybe they have a site close to you, where you can go and enjoy the martins - I hope so. You deserve some purple birds in your life. Thanks for your generosity to the martin community. I can promise you they will take care to use your system wisely and it will fill with martins.