Will SY's lay eggs?

[Guest]

Will SY's, when they get here, lay eggs or do they just find a home for next year?

I couldn't find an obvious answer in the FAQ's. (I should probably know this anyway).

thanks,

Ken

[T K I]

Yes SY's will lay eggs, but they might not care for them as much as ASY parents do.

[Mary Dawnsong]

Yes, SYs pair up, breed, lay eggs, and raise young.

SY females virtually always find a mate, I believe.
SY males are much less successful at finding a mate and often don't breed.
SY females often choose ASY mates.
I once had an SY male mated with an ASY female.

In SY pairs, the SY male is NOT the biological father of most of the clutch.
SY females have extra-pair relations with ASY males, who have basically proven their genetic soundness by virtue of their longevity. For more info on that topic, read http://purplemartin.org/forumarchives/a ... inHogs.htm

Generally, clutch size is smaller with an SY female.
In my experience SY pairs are less successful fledging young than ASY pairs or SY/ASY pairs.

[Guest]

I find the article in the link posted by Mary to be quite interesting. The gentleman from the Smithsonian makes a rather interesting point that I've wondered about this year. I see some postings among some of the threads that seem to leave the impression with us newbies that the only way to go is to try to have the largest colony possible, and that bigger is better. I for one feel that my small colony, which will never be large due to site constrictions in the suburbs, is rather insignificant. But, reading this article makes me realize the importance of us landlords with only 12 to 20 cavities. So, I will not give up, contrary to some of the advice that those with small and constricted sites will never be successful. This is one of the things that turns me off about the forum.

Bud
North Plano, Texas

[John Atteberry]

Hello Bud,
I agree with you!!! A small colony of 12-20 martins is big enough in some areas and can be just as successful as a super colony!! I have a landlord here about 2 miles from me that have 2-12 hole Trio Houses (6by6 cubicles) that have 15-20 martins every year for about 6 years! The compartments are not even enlarged!!! Go figure! But it is up to you the landlord what you can accomplish and can be successful taking care of your colony! If you have too much, then how can you take care of it? I will only have 50 holes and that is enough for me to manage successfully!!!Now I can add more but that would require too much of my time and can't manage the colony the right way!! So I agree with you Bud! And don't let any advice scare you away or make you upset!!! It is just someone's advice, that's all! Please stay and learn and post more Bud! Thanks John!

[Guest]

Thanks for the comments John. I got pretty discouraged over the last several months reading about what you had to have in the way of space, flight patterns, height, etc. that I almost gave it up thinking my site was too small. But I've seen so many Martins occupying constricted sites in my subdivision (some even unattended) that I've done the best I can with what I have. I had one successful nesting pair in my first year, and now three pair with eggs so far this year and no SY birds yet. So, will not give up, and please lets not discourage the small colony landlords who may not have the perfect conditions. As in everything, it takes a lot of little people with small sites to make an impact in preserving the Martin population in addition to the very large colonies (and I envy and marvel at those with the wide open spaces and large colonies). And, I've learned so very much from you guys and gals the last two years. Thanks!

Bud

[Guest]

thanks so much to all you who answered. Even though I've read the books, and studied the migration charts, it still helps 'flesh out' the story/experience when I hear actual accounts.

I, too, have room for my one 12 room house, although if any ever show up, and the house fills, I may try some gourds or another house.

Thanks for the link, Mary Dawnsong, to a fascinating article. Love the resource!

Have a blessed day,

Ken

[yvesquad]

Hy,

bchopkinsii,

TNX allot, this is great thinking.

Some say big is better but I think small is the best !!!! in a way !!

Have a nice day

Yves