And we have the official report from the official counting person (that'd be me). 378 eggs and 52 hatchling/nestling young. So that's 430 ... Add the adults and we are looking at approximately 606 Purple Martins just at my house. Four of my 88 gourds do not have eggs or young yet. They may be claimed by a dominant male who thinks he needs two. But, I have learned that once that guy's babies start to get big he won't be able to hold on to that second gourd anymore. And some desperate pair will move in and lay eggs and we will have a late nesting. And they have always been successful, too.
If anybody is still waiting, be encouraged. We are producing them as fast as we can. I only have two nests with seven eggs this year. Ok with me because seven is too many. They always have a runt, and they can be so sad. Six is more normal and doable. Best of luck to each of you.
4th nest check
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
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mjfog
- Posts: 449
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2017 3:40 pm
- Location: Palm City, FL
- Martin Colony History: 2018 will be my first try. 6 S&K B09s. 29 eggs - 8 fledged
2019 - 12 Troyer Horizontals with tunnels, 6 S&K B09s and 12 B011s all with tunnels. 43 eggs - 36 fledged
2020 - Rack 1 - 6 B011s, Rack 2 - 24 B011s, and Rack 3 - 24 Troyer Horizontals. All gourds have tunnels, porches and crescent/Conley 11 entrances; racks have predator guards. 161 eggs - 88 fledged.
2021 - 54 gourds-214 eggs, 184 hatched, 168 fledged.
2022 - 3 racks of 24 gourds. 363 eggs, 294 hatched, 278 fledged.
2023 - 3 racks of 24 gourds. 321 eggs, 276 hatched, 246 fledged.
2024 - 3 racks of 24 gourds. 330 eggs, 283 hatched, 250 fledged.
2025 - 3 racks of 24 gourds. 347 eggs, 281 hatched, 266 fledged.
laverne - Wow! Here I am with 14 hatchlings and 14 eggs and you're at 378 eggs and 72 hatchlings. How long does it take for you to complete your nest check? Takes me 30 minutes to drop and raise my Tri-tel then drop and raise my 24 gourd S and K rack. You and Mike must have an efficient checking system in play. How about property? I'm on 5 acres with a pond and have room for more colonies but want to max out the 30 gourds I have before moving on. Only have 6 active gourds this my second season.
Happy Martining, Mike
Happy Martining, Mike
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
It takes me an hour and a half or so. I usually do some, then rest for me and a break for the birds to get back to feeding or egg sitting. It's a big job, but so important. I used to be on a much stricter schedule. Having a helper makes the task easier and Mike is a great helper. If I were you, I would have that additional rack and gourds waiting in the garage for the day when suddenly you have a full house. We're done. I tell them they'll just have to move on. But if you want to grow...get ready. Best wishes to you for a successful season.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne