Well he's back again.
A knock on the gourd rack pole after work this evening and out he flew.
I guess I will see better tomorrow morning how the old guy is doing. My records would indicate this is his 13th year in Fombell PA.
Unbelievable!!!
Buddy returns early....once again!
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1986
- 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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Dan G
- Posts: 416
- 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.
2024, most active. Up to seven at a time but still no serious nest building
Too many mature trees.
Congrats Doug. That is amazing! And the good news is, the temps for the next week is in the 60’s. I’m sure we will still have some cooler days in the weeks to come. But I’m sure you’re ready.
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. Had an ASY male visit in mid June. One morning, there were 7! 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. Had an ASY male visit in mid June. One morning, there were 7! Still eliminating starlings and sparrows.
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1986
- 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.
We had coffee and crickets this morning. He seems to be doing well. Gave me a few good chirps too!
BTW He ate the crickets and I had the coffee in case you were wondering..
It sure is nice to have him back for another season. The weather looks great for one of the first times.
Doug
BTW He ate the crickets and I had the coffee in case you were wondering..
It sure is nice to have him back for another season. The weather looks great for one of the first times.
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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Phil01
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2020 6:42 pm
- Location: Fernandina Beach FL
- Martin Colony History: 34 Cavities offered.
24 unit gourd rack with Troyer Horizontal and Vertical Gourds. Sunset Inn aluminum house with 4 Troyer Horizontal Gourds.
2020- 1 pair, 4 eggs, fledged 3
2021- 3 pair, 15 eggs, fledged 8
2022- 5 pair, 26 eggs, fledged 21
2023- 10 pair, 53 eggs, fledged 27
2024- 26 pair, 125 eggs, fledged 83
PMCA Member
That is simply INCREDIBLE! Always love hearing when buddy returns! Welcome home old guy! 
Wishing you a great season Doug!
Phil
Wishing you a great season Doug!
Phil
PMCA member
Fernandina Beach, FL
Fernandina Beach, FL
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ToyinPA
- Posts: 2223
- 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.
Great news Doug. Good to hear Buddy is back again. I hope you have a great season.
Toy in PA
Toy in PA
PMCA Member
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Jones4381
- Posts: 779
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2020 10:54 pm
- Location: Southwestern VA
- Martin Colony History: 2020- 0
2021- 1 pair-5
2022- 5 pair-20
2023 34 pair-44
2024 30 pair-122
I'm pretty sure Buddy dropped by here in VA for a night on his way home Doug. I had 2 PM males and 1 female all show up on 2/28 (earliest yet...probably Buddy bringing along a reluctant pair this far north this early 
.
The 1 male and female have stayed and thanked Buddy as he stayed over for one night and then flew off at the crack of dawn on March 1st to continue his trek home and show other PM's what's possible when you have a great Landlord like Doug in PA. Buddy has continued setting records and amazing other PM's around the mid-Atlantic at his endurance, strength, and commitment to his Colony...He's become a legend in the PM community and others that look to as the epitimy of a ASY PM... others have been reported at saying to other PM's "Buddy shouldn't be heading out that early but LOOK....He's off again"... Buddy's legend has grown where other, once reluctant birds, now try and keep up by following the brave and incredulous Buddy north! It was reported one ASY Male state "If Buddy can go to PA in March I can certainly make it up to VA in Feb"! Congrats and we are happy Buddy made it back again and continues leading the way for the less brave or timid travelers... Please toss him an extra cricket for those of us along the pathway home was lucky enough to have had him stay over in one of our gourds on his way back to you...if just for a night...
.The 1 male and female have stayed and thanked Buddy as he stayed over for one night and then flew off at the crack of dawn on March 1st to continue his trek home and show other PM's what's possible when you have a great Landlord like Doug in PA. Buddy has continued setting records and amazing other PM's around the mid-Atlantic at his endurance, strength, and commitment to his Colony...He's become a legend in the PM community and others that look to as the epitimy of a ASY PM... others have been reported at saying to other PM's "Buddy shouldn't be heading out that early but LOOK....He's off again"... Buddy's legend has grown where other, once reluctant birds, now try and keep up by following the brave and incredulous Buddy north! It was reported one ASY Male state "If Buddy can go to PA in March I can certainly make it up to VA in Feb"! Congrats and we are happy Buddy made it back again and continues leading the way for the less brave or timid travelers... Please toss him an extra cricket for those of us along the pathway home was lucky enough to have had him stay over in one of our gourds on his way back to you...if just for a night...
"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." - Lao Tzu
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C.C.Martins
- Posts: 3190
- Joined: Fri Apr 14, 2017 11:15 am
- Location: Corpus Christi Tx
- Martin Colony History: 2016- Visitors.
2017- 5 pair. 15 fledged
2018- 18 pair. 85 fledged
2019- 17 pair. 81 fledged
2020- 25 pair. 111 fledged
2021- 28 pair. 118 fledged
2022- 33 pair. 151 fledged
2023- 33 pair. 165 fledged
2024- 40 pair. 185 fledged
2025:
HOSP: 12 Starlings: 10
Home colony: mix natural, super, Troyer and excluder gourds, enlarged compartment house. All SREH.
Satellite colony: Oso Bay Preserve: 36 PMCA excluder gourds, 4 natural gourds; 16 room Lonestar Goliad with Modified Excluder entrances.
2019: Visitors
2020: 3 pair, 11 fledged
2021: 10 pair, 30 fledged
2022: 11 pair, 35 fledged
2023: 18 pair, 101 fledged
2024: 39 pair, 181 fledged
2025:
PMCA member
Congrats Doug! Without a doubt, an incredible journey and incredible bird.
He is in a good place, a real country gentleman!
Tom
He is in a good place, a real country gentleman!
Tom
A good house sparrow is a dead house sparrow.
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LCM
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2025 4:33 pm
- Location: Many Louisiana
- Martin Colony History: Have had martins 20 years, I have anywhere from 6 pair to 10 pair
yearly.
Mr Doug, your post was so interesting. While many know Buddy, I have just been introduced.
Mr Doug, just out of curiosity, is buddy tagged?
Success and joy to all you PM friends.
Sincerely and God Bless
Linda Moore from Many Louisiana
Mr Doug, just out of curiosity, is buddy tagged?
Success and joy to all you PM friends.
Sincerely and God Bless
Linda Moore from Many Louisiana
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mwren
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:43 pm
- Location: OH/Athens
- Martin Colony History: I have had my martin colony on the dam of one of my ponds for nine years. The colony has grown each year, but I am now concentrating on helping friends and acquaintances who have shown interests in martins. My colony consists of three T-14's with 8 Troyer gourds attatched to each T-14, a Troyer gourd rack with 12 gourds, and another gourd rack with 18 Troyer gourds for a total of 96 nest cavities. I am having serious predation issues with hawks and owls and am experimenting with various hawk guards and "screens". Established successful supplemental feeding the last few seasons and have had a blast flipping mostly meal worms and some crickets. Faculty from Ohio University are using my colony as a research site to study parasites that target cavity nesting birds. In exchange for access to my bird trail nest boxes and martin housing, they are banding all birds involved in their study.
Doug,
Great story about your 28 years of patience as you waited for Martins to show up !! Good luck again this year! Supplemental feeding like we really must help them with up here in the "north" is critical to my success also! Have fun with them!
Mike Wren
Athens, Ohio
Great story about your 28 years of patience as you waited for Martins to show up !! Good luck again this year! Supplemental feeding like we really must help them with up here in the "north" is critical to my success also! Have fun with them!
Mike Wren
Athens, Ohio
Mike "Bird" Wren
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Martintown33
- Posts: 1203
- Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2021 6:21 pm
- Location: Laplace,La
- Martin Colony History: Colony started in 1998. 2 s&k modified houses and gourd rack
Congrats Doug! Buddy does it again! Amazing!
Rob
Rob
PMCA member
Laplace, La
Laplace, La
That is great news! I had so many migrating martins staying over during the freezing wet weather in mid February. These birds took flipped crickets, meal worms and beetles. I wonder if Buddy was one of them. Heart warming. Thanks for sharing. Brent
Brent
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1986
- 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 all for your very kind replies.
Buddy is doing great! was singing and doing the ratchet clicking this morning.
Perhaps he visited Western Virginia on the way up. I wish I knew. All I know is I usually am pretty close knowing when he arrives.
Although Buddy is not tagged, much of his history is in this forum. i posted many times through the years and if you are interested in his history you can search my posts.
Back in 2013 a very dominate subbie male dethroned the male that started my colony in 2009. There was repeated fighting to the ground as he stole his sleeping gourd which was bloodied inside as well. That male used 2 gourds. One for the family and one next door to sleep in.
In 2014 The bird now known as Buddy was really early and endured extreme cold but survived. He took up residence in that same gourd and has returned early to this same gourd ever since. If it wasn't for feeding him..... he would have died almost every year as well. Some years he is 3 weeks ahead of the next arrival. so this is our bonding time together.
Soon I hope to share his story with an article or a book. It is an amazing story indeed. I sure will miss him some day. But for now I will enjoy his early arrival once again.
Doug
Buddy is doing great! was singing and doing the ratchet clicking this morning.
Perhaps he visited Western Virginia on the way up. I wish I knew. All I know is I usually am pretty close knowing when he arrives.
Although Buddy is not tagged, much of his history is in this forum. i posted many times through the years and if you are interested in his history you can search my posts.
Back in 2013 a very dominate subbie male dethroned the male that started my colony in 2009. There was repeated fighting to the ground as he stole his sleeping gourd which was bloodied inside as well. That male used 2 gourds. One for the family and one next door to sleep in.
In 2014 The bird now known as Buddy was really early and endured extreme cold but survived. He took up residence in that same gourd and has returned early to this same gourd ever since. If it wasn't for feeding him..... he would have died almost every year as well. Some years he is 3 weeks ahead of the next arrival. so this is our bonding time together.
Soon I hope to share his story with an article or a book. It is an amazing story indeed. I sure will miss him some day. But for now I will enjoy his early arrival once again.
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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LCM
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2025 4:33 pm
- Location: Many Louisiana
- Martin Colony History: Have had martins 20 years, I have anywhere from 6 pair to 10 pair
yearly.
Mr Doug, I have chill bumps reading your explanation regarding Buddy’s identity.
Mr Doug , I would be the first one to read your book/article regarding Buddy.
Where I live in North Louisiana, feeding Martins is a subject I have never even considered was a possibility. I must read up on everything involved in feeding these phenomenal creatures. I often laugh and tell people all the time, my husband says that I not only feed these phenomenal creatures birds, I fatten them, lol.
I guess I have every bird species known to this region, migratory and those known as native. I could add the Purple Martin to the list to fatten, lol.
I have been extremely blessed tonight to read about Buddy.
Thank you for responding to my question. Lord Bless you!!
Sincerely,
Linda Moore from Many La.
Mr Doug , I would be the first one to read your book/article regarding Buddy.
Where I live in North Louisiana, feeding Martins is a subject I have never even considered was a possibility. I must read up on everything involved in feeding these phenomenal creatures. I often laugh and tell people all the time, my husband says that I not only feed these phenomenal creatures birds, I fatten them, lol.
I guess I have every bird species known to this region, migratory and those known as native. I could add the Purple Martin to the list to fatten, lol.
I have been extremely blessed tonight to read about Buddy.
Thank you for responding to my question. Lord Bless you!!
Sincerely,
Linda Moore from Many La.
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1986
- 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.
I came home yesterday to a lot of Martin singing way up in the sky. After 2 weeks of solitary confinement Buddy finally had some company.
Another male and a female came in on heavy west winds with temperatures barely topping 50 degrees. They were in pretty good shape but very hungry. We all had a cricket tossing party before they went in for the evening.
This morning was much different with plenty of chatter even though temperatures were below freezing. The 3 of them checking out the other housing while the 2 guys competed for the girl's attention.
This was timely as Buddy was getting very bored. He was up to his old trick of visiting the neighbors house about a quarter mile away to beg for crickets. They also have a colony but their birds return a bit later. It's interesting he is resourceful enough to fly to their window and get their attention to ensure his survival. Pretty smart bird. He has done this in past years as well.
We are expecting a few more very cold days here in Western PA then a warm up. There should be plenty of new arrivals this weekend.
Doug
Another male and a female came in on heavy west winds with temperatures barely topping 50 degrees. They were in pretty good shape but very hungry. We all had a cricket tossing party before they went in for the evening.
This morning was much different with plenty of chatter even though temperatures were below freezing. The 3 of them checking out the other housing while the 2 guys competed for the girl's attention.
This was timely as Buddy was getting very bored. He was up to his old trick of visiting the neighbors house about a quarter mile away to beg for crickets. They also have a colony but their birds return a bit later. It's interesting he is resourceful enough to fly to their window and get their attention to ensure his survival. Pretty smart bird. He has done this in past years as well.
We are expecting a few more very cold days here in Western PA then a warm up. There should be plenty of new arrivals this weekend.
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.
I remember i think it was 2 years ago, Buddy was late and you posted on here that you were concerned, and then of course the stroy brightened. I have come on the last two years and searched "Buddy" just to see, and here we are. I think you could write a childrens book about Buddy, what with the raspy voice and everything...? Congratulations on the return of your old friend!
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Jones4381
- Posts: 779
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2020 10:54 pm
- Location: Southwestern VA
- Martin Colony History: 2020- 0
2021- 1 pair-5
2022- 5 pair-20
2023 34 pair-44
2024 30 pair-122
Smart Bird indeed! Veterans are typically a wily bunch.Doug Martin - PA wrote: ↑Tue Mar 25, 2025 11:00 amI came home yesterday to a lot of Martin singing way up in the sky. After 2 weeks of solitary confinement Buddy finally had some company.
Another male and a female came in on heavy west winds with temperatures barely topping 50 degrees. They were in pretty good shape but very hungry. We all had a cricket tossing party before they went in for the evening.
This was timely as Buddy was getting very bored. He was up to his old trick of visiting the neighbors house about a quarter mile away to beg for crickets. They also have a colony but their birds return a bit later. It's interesting he is resourceful enough to fly to their window and get their attention to ensure his survival. Pretty smart bird. He has done this in past years as well.
Doug
. Enjoy the season and best of luck this season."Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." - Lao Tzu
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mjfog
- Posts: 393
- 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.
Are you sure this isn't Buddy's brother or maybe an offspring? No tag on Buddy, I have may doubts that this is the same bird. What say you.
Mike Fogarty, Palm City
Mike Fogarty, Palm City
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1986
- 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.
I have been looking for a sign of a "Buddy offspring" because I sure will miss him coming in so early. So I am hoping.
If you would meet Buddy you would know him. He is truly a one of a kind bird. Heck I can even tell his voice from the others at my site. When the same bird, comes home to the same gourd, every year a few weeks earlier that the rest and he comes to you when you whistle...... well that's all the proof I need. No other bird is so tame and practically eats from my hand. I don't flip him crickets with a spoon. He snatches them a few inches from my hand.
You are all welcome to doubt this is a 13 year old bird. But I believe it 100%. No doubt whatsoever.
This has been an amazing spring for him. He is doing so well and is actually the best he has ever been. He is the total leader and the Alpha Male. He is the hawk expert, and gets the entire colony syncronized as they show up. He didn't get the first girl, but he currently has 2 fighting over him. He attracts migrating birds to the site in the evening and gives them a place to stay for the night. I swear he must be charging room and board lol.
I am sure of another thing. Martins have a language and can communicate with each other. Buddy is the ultimate communicator. He is a real leader. He is very smart too. There was a very droopy male Martin at my site there other day. It was crazy that is gravitated to where Buddy stays. It sat out on his porch in the rain and tried to go in his gourd. I have seen Buddy not take this well in the past when another male tries to move in on his territory. But this guy he showed compassion, got him out fairly nicely, and got him to go in the empty gourd next door.
For now I will sit back and admire this"king of the Martins". I am lucky to witness this.
Doug
If you would meet Buddy you would know him. He is truly a one of a kind bird. Heck I can even tell his voice from the others at my site. When the same bird, comes home to the same gourd, every year a few weeks earlier that the rest and he comes to you when you whistle...... well that's all the proof I need. No other bird is so tame and practically eats from my hand. I don't flip him crickets with a spoon. He snatches them a few inches from my hand.
You are all welcome to doubt this is a 13 year old bird. But I believe it 100%. No doubt whatsoever.
This has been an amazing spring for him. He is doing so well and is actually the best he has ever been. He is the total leader and the Alpha Male. He is the hawk expert, and gets the entire colony syncronized as they show up. He didn't get the first girl, but he currently has 2 fighting over him. He attracts migrating birds to the site in the evening and gives them a place to stay for the night. I swear he must be charging room and board lol.
I am sure of another thing. Martins have a language and can communicate with each other. Buddy is the ultimate communicator. He is a real leader. He is very smart too. There was a very droopy male Martin at my site there other day. It was crazy that is gravitated to where Buddy stays. It sat out on his porch in the rain and tried to go in his gourd. I have seen Buddy not take this well in the past when another male tries to move in on his territory. But this guy he showed compassion, got him out fairly nicely, and got him to go in the empty gourd next door.
For now I will sit back and admire this"king of the Martins". I am lucky to witness this.
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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LCM
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2025 4:33 pm
- Location: Many Louisiana
- Martin Colony History: Have had martins 20 years, I have anywhere from 6 pair to 10 pair
yearly.
Mr Doug, if I was your neighbor, I would wear out my welcome. I would try and convince you that I enjoyed your company so much so, I would wear out my welcome but it would really be Buddy that I would be coming to see, lol.
An amazing Purple Martin baby!! I wish you would post new information daily about Buddy. Where are your pictures of Buddy posted? I want to see him. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Linda from Many La.
An amazing Purple Martin baby!! I wish you would post new information daily about Buddy. Where are your pictures of Buddy posted? I want to see him. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Linda from Many La.