Got home from work on Monday and went to the garden to water. My neighbor was in his garden at the same time. We chatted and he said he saw two Purple Martins on the Martin House. One on the porch and the other going in and out of the cavities. I didn't see them that day and I didn't see them on Tuesday either. Then on Wednesday around 6:00 I saw them. They flew by several times and I went out side and then they landed on the high power lines looking down at me. Went back in the house and they flew by the Martin house again and left. I let down the pole to look in the house cavities and the gourds to see if any new nesting material, other than what I put in earlier in the season. No new material. However It apears that some of the cavities the material is rearranged from what I had put in. I haven't seen them spend the night. I thinking they are just checking things out. I am no expert on telling gender, but it appeared to me that one of the birds was all purple (male) and the other one was some what purple except the breast was mostly white /gray (female). I hope they stay. Been waiting to get them for the last 4 years. Do you think they will stay and do you think they still have time to lay some eggs. It seems late in the season. I am still thinking they are visiting. I do not know of any martin colonies in the area. Some in Bloomington, Il 15 mile to the north of me, and a colony in Mahomet, Il 20 miles to the east of me. Got my fingers crossed. Well they know where I am located. Even if they don't stay this year maybe next year. Happy Martining.
Steve Thomas (LeRoy,Il) trying since 2003, visitors 2006 & 2007 had 1 visitor.
2009 had 6 visitors, 3ASY & 3females(1 male serious)
2010 1ASY male & 1ASYfemale, May 9, 2010 I became a landlord
2011 They came back. Got cold .they left. Never came back. starting over.
2012 1 came by. 2013 (0)
It is getting very late for martins to establish territory, pair bond and then raise a family in most areas of the USA; however, there are always some late pairs that will begin even in early July. However, it is a good sign that martins have found your housing and have been checking it out. Martins will do this later in the nesting season; particularly, martins that did not nest that season or have failed at their current site. If they like what they see, then next season the males may return and establish territory. Though you have an ASY adult male visiting, you may also have SY males that visit and temporarily establish territory. These males may bond to your site and then return next season as ASYs which are more reliable in completing the nesting cycle and attracting mates. Again, it is promising that martins are investigating your housing and they may continue to do so even into August or early September. Good luck.
Thanks for the reply! That is what I thought, but had to ask the questions anyway.
Steve Thomas (LeRoy,Il) trying since 2003, visitors 2006 & 2007 had 1 visitor.
2009 had 6 visitors, 3ASY & 3females(1 male serious)
2010 1ASY male & 1ASYfemale, May 9, 2010 I became a landlord
2011 They came back. Got cold .they left. Never came back. starting over.
2012 1 came by. 2013 (0)
