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.
Finally after a delay due to the bad weather my colony is starting to lay eggs. They had started nest building 3 times, stopped & resumed.
We have 76 with sun/clouds/rain expected later. Yesterday is was 57 & rained most of the day.
Nest check today revealed 2 eggs in 1 nest. First egg laid in 2015 was on May 14th. As of May 24, 2015 there were 33 eggs in nests. They arrived earlier this year, but the weather has delayed them & they are behind last years counts. I hope the weather remains warm now, so they can get on with business .
Martin Colony History: Started at unsuitable location in 2008. Many lessons learned since. Two tentative locations: Rogers International School and the "Fish Church" (downtown.) One pair in 2015; no fledglings though. No pairs 2016.
How nice - it is so special to find eggs :-)
Sounds silly, but always brings a smile to my face (no martins yet for me, but I also have Tree Swallows giving me joy!)
Anyway, the late season gives me hope - late May/early June has my anxiety at peak levels!!!!
Best,
Thais
Thais Gherardi Wannabe Landlord in Stamford, CT (2 tentative sites):
- Rogers International School (S&K barn since 2013; Alamo House installed 2016)
- "Fish Church"/downtown Stamford (Alamo House installed 2016)
Martin Colony History: 5th year hostess. Currently 58 confirmed breeding pair. 218 Fledged, 35 older nestlings, 2 new nests with 8 nestlings. 100% occupancy
You take special care of your colony. They appreciate it of course. It is tough and not to be underestimated. I appreciate your detailed descriptions and your passion for your birds!
Wishing you a great and deserved successful season!
Debbie
Debbie Johnson
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
Toy --- Great to hear about your egg laying ... Also you telling us that the nest building and eggs are a little late this year.. That still gives us hope that there is still time, since the weather has been bad here through out our spring.
Last year was our first year to successfully host PM's (2 pair, 12 eggs/12 fledglings). So far (I swear, I don't think we've had a single SY martin) we have 6 nests with eggs (ranging from 1 - 4), with the first being laid on the 22nd.
Yes Toy same here. I did a nest check on Tuesday and finally had 3 eggs in one nest, 16 nests total. Last year I had 96 eggs by May 22nd. Guess we get to enjoy them longer this year!!!!!!!!
Mark Waynesville, OH
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PMCA MEMBER
2017 22 Pair
2016 15 Pair 84 eggs
2015 17 Pair 108 eggs 78 young 55 fledged
2014 13 Pair 70 eggs 51 young 50 fledged
2013 10 Pair 51 eggs 39 young 39 fledged
2012 5 Pair
2011 1 Pair
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