Martins are dropping out of the sky in Western PA today.
Looks like my old founding male made it back to his gourd too for the 8th year. This would make him 9 years old this season. Sure is a little guy and easy to identify. He was there on his gourd early in the AM. Flew right up to me and took a few crickets just for old time's sake.
Another male showed up shortly afterwards and went in the gourd next to his. He followed him in and a squabble took place inside.
So now there are at least 3 males and plenty of chirping up in the sky. I expect more today. Other landlords reporting multiple arrivals at their sites as well.
Also 4 tree swallows scooting around. Blue birds at their box too. Spring has sprung.
The Martin season is really begun now. Very strong South winds today and 70+ degrees.
Doug
Nice influx in PA today!
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2227
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
- Location: PA/Avis
- Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
Watching & waiting for my colony to return. Have a few rooms open & ready.
Weather has been super. It's 73 in the shade here right now
. Never seen it this warm in March! Have a gusty breeze coming out of the south right now. Cold front to move in later tonight.
Toy in PA
Weather has been super. It's 73 in the shade here right now
. Never seen it this warm in March! Have a gusty breeze coming out of the south right now. Cold front to move in later tonight.Toy in PA
PMCA Member
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Dan G
- Posts: 446
- Joined: Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:52 pm
- Location: PA/Bellefonte
- Martin Colony History: Several colonies with in 6 mile radius.
Have had visitor every year 2014-24.
Two large trees removed in fall 2024 and moved T-14 to a more open location.
2025- 1 SY pair. Fledged 2.
2026- no pairs. One daily SYM here daily. Named him Riggs!
I'm ready. Your birds will arrive any moment now Toy. T 14 and 8 gourds are up and pre nested. Several of the local amish dont have there houses up yet, I've told them that the PMs are going to be early. I'm home today and saw a tree swallow poking in an out of a bb box. I have a pair of bb's at a different box. No martins seen yet. I know its a month away for the SY's, but i did have a SY-Spot- here for a month last year, so im hoping he returns. But im not holding my breath. thanks for the update Doug.
Bellefonte PA
2014, 1st year-a few lookers, no nests
2015-23. Visitors each year. But no pairs.
2024- most active year. 2-4 SY male’s hang out most days.
2025, 1 SY pair. 2 eggs, 2 fledged!! Other martins visited daily.
Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
2014, 1st year-a few lookers, no nests
2015-23. Visitors each year. But no pairs.
2024- most active year. 2-4 SY male’s hang out most days.
2025, 1 SY pair. 2 eggs, 2 fledged!! Other martins visited daily.
Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2227
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
- Location: PA/Avis
- Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
HI Dan:
Had a pair of House Finches here a few days ago (early for them too). I ususally get a pair or two every year nesting in hanging plants, but the plants won't be ready for sale until May. Cardinals & Morning Doves are in the trees across the alley singing away. Many Robins. Haven't seen any Tree Swallows yet. My HS pair is nesting in THEIR little house. They seem to keep the rest away, so we let them have it every year & then trap the fledglings.
I would have your gourds open, but only a few rooms in the house where you can see them from your house. It helps to keep the HS & Starlings down. Once you get some then open the other rooms. Don't forget to make them look used....smear a little mud.
Waiting & watching.....expect them soon.
Toy in PA
Had a pair of House Finches here a few days ago (early for them too). I ususally get a pair or two every year nesting in hanging plants, but the plants won't be ready for sale until May. Cardinals & Morning Doves are in the trees across the alley singing away. Many Robins. Haven't seen any Tree Swallows yet. My HS pair is nesting in THEIR little house. They seem to keep the rest away, so we let them have it every year & then trap the fledglings.
I would have your gourds open, but only a few rooms in the house where you can see them from your house. It helps to keep the HS & Starlings down. Once you get some then open the other rooms. Don't forget to make them look used....smear a little mud.
Waiting & watching.....expect them soon.
Toy in PA
PMCA Member
Hey Doug that's great news especially about that foundation bird ,nine years wow he must be getting ready to go to the record books. We have had high south winds most of the afternoon here ,one point it did get 72° right now it's hanging in there about 65 going to be cold for tomorrow though. Haven't heard of anybody in the area seeing any martins or tree swallows yet but we know they're not far. It's great the old guy took some food he knows the ropes. Have fun. Ed.
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Well we are back to very cold and very damp today after the front came though last night.
40 degree now at 9 AM and that is all we will get. No Martins coming out this morning as it is very heavy overcast as well.
At least only one day of bad weather this time. Then it will warm up tomorrow.
Ed there was another local landlord that had a banded female at his site for 9 years as well. But I think this may be his last hurray. Not sure if anyone has documented a bird much older than that. Maybe 11 years old? Maybe Louise knows.
Doug
40 degree now at 9 AM and that is all we will get. No Martins coming out this morning as it is very heavy overcast as well.
At least only one day of bad weather this time. Then it will warm up tomorrow.
Ed there was another local landlord that had a banded female at his site for 9 years as well. But I think this may be his last hurray. Not sure if anyone has documented a bird much older than that. Maybe 11 years old? Maybe Louise knows.
Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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Archer
- Posts: 786
- Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
- Location: Manitoba/Altona
- Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.
Awesome report Doug, I always like hearing about your founding male. I am sure your feeding relationship with him has saved his life on more than one occasion. Just shows us what good management can do for purple martins. Caring people can make all the difference, not just in purple martins but life in general. Thanks for teaching us.
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Thank you Archer,
I sure had to coax him out the past few cold days. The other 2 came out much quicker. I am not sure how many other Martins come when they are called but he does.
I would estimate feeding saved him at least 6 of his 9 years.
Beautiful weather for now. A few more coming in. Easter should bring even more. But a very long cold spell looms for the entire northern region. A certain Martin killer without feeding. These guys will all be fine here for sure. They know the routine quite well now.
Doug
I sure had to coax him out the past few cold days. The other 2 came out much quicker. I am not sure how many other Martins come when they are called but he does.
I would estimate feeding saved him at least 6 of his 9 years.
Beautiful weather for now. A few more coming in. Easter should bring even more. But a very long cold spell looms for the entire northern region. A certain Martin killer without feeding. These guys will all be fine here for sure. They know the routine quite well now.
Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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D Little
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2014 5:31 pm
- Location: PA/Felton
- Martin Colony History: 3 T14 houses and 12 gourd...gourd rack.
2019 52 nesting pairs
Got things started in this end of PA the 23rd ,an asy male and female showed up ,seven days earlier then last year. Good to see em back....weather has been pretty good lately. Good luck to all for a successful season.
Donnie
Donnie
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2227
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:07 pm
- Location: PA/Avis
- Martin Colony History: The 1972 St. Agnes flood wiped out all the Martins in my area. One day, in 1997-98, 5 or 6 Martins landed on the power wires crossing my back yard. I had no house for them. They kept coming back day after day. We got a martin house a few weeks later & they have been coming back every year since. I average 12-15 pair per year.
No sign of my colony yet. Still watching & waiting. There are Martins not too far south of me, so mine should arrive soon. Often they arrive during bad weather. I think they like me to go out in cold/snow/rain to feed them, LOL.
According to the last 10 years of reports there are none north of me all the way to the NY border. There had been a few back in the 90's/early 2000's, but no reports since. We had traveled north, to the NY border, looking for Martins several times, but have yet to see any.
Eyes to the sky......
Toy in PA
According to the last 10 years of reports there are none north of me all the way to the NY border. There had been a few back in the 90's/early 2000's, but no reports since. We had traveled north, to the NY border, looking for Martins several times, but have yet to see any.
Eyes to the sky......
Toy in PA
PMCA Member
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Dan G
- Posts: 446
- Joined: Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:52 pm
- Location: PA/Bellefonte
- Martin Colony History: Several colonies with in 6 mile radius.
Have had visitor every year 2014-24.
Two large trees removed in fall 2024 and moved T-14 to a more open location.
2025- 1 SY pair. Fledged 2.
2026- no pairs. One daily SYM here daily. Named him Riggs!
My amish neighbors have several martins back. I saw them yesterday and today. Not sure when they first arrived as i did not talk to anyone at the farms, just drove by. They will be in Avis very soon Toy.
Bellefonte PA
2014, 1st year-a few lookers, no nests
2015-23. Visitors each year. But no pairs.
2024- most active year. 2-4 SY male’s hang out most days.
2025, 1 SY pair. 2 eggs, 2 fledged!! Other martins visited daily.
Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
2014, 1st year-a few lookers, no nests
2015-23. Visitors each year. But no pairs.
2024- most active year. 2-4 SY male’s hang out most days.
2025, 1 SY pair. 2 eggs, 2 fledged!! Other martins visited daily.
Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Toy,
Seems yours will arrive very soon. mine come 11:00 on warms days. Yours come in lousy weather right after the warmest days. Today was real warm. My site really came alive. Think a dozen went in at night. So quite a few new ones. A few females too.
Doug
Seems yours will arrive very soon. mine come 11:00 on warms days. Yours come in lousy weather right after the warmest days. Today was real warm. My site really came alive. Think a dozen went in at night. So quite a few new ones. A few females too.
Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.