Fun to watch!

[C.C.Martins]

Checked the birds at the preserve, this one of two gourd racks 16 gourds near their parking lot, rest of the colony is further back near a park.
Last year we had one pair on these two racks, this year we have 14 pair in them. Because its so open its prime for hawks so put up a decoy martin, every once in a while they will land on it and have ignored it for the most part. Today I drove up and a male is busy buzzing the decoy, pass after pass dive bombing and buzzing it. He has chicks ready to fledge and knows in his soul this silent martin is now a threat. Probably been keeping a watchful eye on it for months and couldn't take it any more. He is currently on a porch lower left eye balling his nemesis.
Wish I could send a video, that was fun!

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(2 MiB) Not downloaded yet

[Matt F.]

Great photo Tom!
Those big natural gourds look amazing!
Between your home colony, and your satellite colonies, you are managing a lot of housing, and taking care of a lot of Martins.
Truly great work!

[C.C.Martins]

High praise sir, thank you. Its a labor of love.
All the natural gourds iv got were gifted by Mr Barrow, some given to him by Mr troyer. They have hosted a LOT of Martin's. And will continue to do so God willing. I love them, dont know what it is but I really like natural gourds.

[Martintown33]

Nice photo! It is funny , how they can have different personalities and behaviors.. enjoy the entertainment !
Rob

[Phil01]

Awesome photo Tom! Those natural guards are SO cool! Very interesting history behind them as well! Two extremely knowledgeable Martiners! Hope they host martins for you many years to come!
Phil

[C.C.Martins]

Well those 4 were put up really to try to boost that location, thought that I could appeal to their senses and give them something to look over, so stuck an extra 12 unit hub on it and hung the gourds, they are wide and deep so only 4 fit...well guess they stay! They will look for them next year, all subbies too so extra bonus.

[Phil01]

Yep, I wouldn’t move them either, it definitely worked! That’s one heck of an increase in one year! They must love em! That site has really taken off this year! Great job managing two colonies my friend!
Well I guess 3 if you count your parrots! lol
Phil

[Jones4381]

2nd the motion on loving those natural gourds...They look Great!!

[C.C.Martins]

Appriciate it gents, haha yes 3 colonies! She is currently telling the whole house she is a good girl...not entirely convinced.
I honestly believe we are now where we should have been (with numbers) a few years ago. First year 3, following years- 10, 11, 18, now 36. Really took off this year, think I'd attribute it to moving 2 poles further away from people, clearing more area near the poles and the stand alone trio house sparrow traps near each location. And some great support from PMCA (some grants) the guiding hand of Mr Barrow and of course the staff out there who are awesome.
Not done yet though! We are putting up another privacy fence, relacing the trio mini, adding two telephone poles with wire between for perching behind the main colony, and in gourd cameras for the public to see the goings on.
Hope to get lots and lots of public intrest. And some new landlords..

[Jones4381]

Send out a hello and thank you to "Yoda" (Mr. Barrow) and "Luke" you have the force too . Congratulations on the success/growth/safety and great job on giving back.

[DeeCee]

Funny story Tom! Wow, you care for a lot of birds, amazing.

[Phil01]

Yes, “The Force” is strong in that one!