Are they here or not?

[Guest]

From the day we put up our conventional martin house, we had birds interested. Two scouts came, visited every hole, which amused us, and a couple of days later, left. A couple of weeks later, females came. They sooped, they lit, the stayed a while, they seemd to want to drive each other off, and each day they were gone by afternoon. We've watched this go on for a week or more and don't know whether we have birds or just birds who want to be here but who are frustrated by something. All essential elements are in place. Any ideas? Thanks

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

Many martins in Tenn already have eggs in their nests. Its getting a bit late but you may still get some to stay..Do you have an open site with no trees? Too many nearby trees are usually the reason for them not staying. They are afraid of owls & hawks if there are too many trees.

[T Seber]

Kate:
I think I know where you are in Tennessee, isn't that over in the Jackson County area?
No, you really are not to late in Tennessee. Early May is prime time for new starts. The sy martins are just now coming in well.
Kate, learn all you can about martins. make very sure you have identified them correctly. More than one person has believed themselves to have been visited by martins when they really have not.
Rather than two females, you may have a pair of sy martins, since it is a bit difficult to tell sy males from females without experience. Or, more likely even, you may have two sy males hanging around your housing.
Do not allow starlings or sparrows to nest in your houses. Read everything you can from the stored information on this Forum. It will save you many questions and much trouble. If you are where Ithink you are, you are only fifty miles or so north east of me. I would welcome any questions you might need to ask me directly.

[klcretired]

Kate M.,
Check the scout report page and click on your state to see the arrival report's from the landlord's in your area:

http://www.purplemartin.org/scoutreport/