First time for gourds, PM enthusiasts 10 years
Hello, this is the first year since installing 1 rack, 8 gourds. It is also the first time to really record and observe their activity. It is much easier to observe PM’s with gourds instead of house. I feel very comfortable lowering to check on birds. I have one nest with 3 fledgings, they left maybe a (May 26-31) week ago. One died after falling out of the nest. I marked on gourd. The 2nd nest has 3 babies which are about 1 week old. I got a late start, (first of April) awaiting for new pole and gourds and had 4 eggs in first nest April 18th. I have long time PM’s enthusiastic members in Seguin who have been a tremendous help and encouragement. I live in New Braunfels, Texas near IH 35 and HI 46. Judy in New Braunfels, Tx
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dsonyay
- Posts: 1677
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:10 pm
- Location: Louisiana/Broussard
- Martin Colony History: 2010-2014 located in Slidell LA. Gourd rack with 16 gourds. Max of 2 pairs during this short period in Slidell. Plenty of fledglings.
2014-present.. moved to Broussard LA. Same Gourd Rack but added a 6 room house (modified from a 12 room)
2020: after a long drought of nothing, 4 pairs and 4 nests, 23 eggs total.
6 fledges.
2021: 9 pair, 47 eggs
36 hatchlings
30 fledged
2022: about 12 pairs.. many eggs, all fledged.. only had one hatchling die.. probably because of our schnauzer. :(
2023: 16 pairs. So far about 60 chicks with about a dozen eggs to go.
2024: 13 pair. About 60 eggs
2025: 14 pairs .. 69 eggs.
Congratulations! I have a modified gourd rack and have a house mounted on one arm. 
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