PHNWR Unusual Colony

[Dcaple]

I am volunteer landlord for 72 gourd PM colony in Prime Hook National Wildlife Reserve. I had a backyard PM colony in Texas for 27 years. The previous landlord said she had 100 % occupancy with 48 gourds, so on my recommendation a third pole was added for 72 gourds. About midway for this season, hit 100 % occupancy, 83 % with eggs and 35 chicks under one week as first chicks. No sparrows. No starlings. One rat snake last year. Ten nests have 6 or 7 eggs, one has 8. I now believe the former landlady. Any thoughts on all the larger than usual clutches? PS for kicker: landlady reported close to 100 % fledge rate. Hard to believe. I only wish this colony was in my backyard for my morning coffee. And a tear rolls down your cheek….

[scottfreidhof]

That is great news from Delaware. Have you observed anything obvious to account for the colony's success? Maybe a reliable insect hatch each year along the coast?

[Jones4381]

I am volunteer landlord for 72 gourd PM colony in Prime Hook National Wildlife Reserve. I had a backyard PM colony in Texas for 27 years. The previous landlord said she had 100 % occupancy with 48 gourds, so on my recommendation a third pole was added for 72 gourds. About midway for this season, hit 100 % occupancy, 83 % with eggs and 35 chicks under one week as first chicks. No sparrows. No starlings. One rat snake last year. Ten nests have 6 or 7 eggs, one has 8. I now believe the former landlady. Any thoughts on all the larger than usual clutches? PS for kicker: landlady reported close to 100 % fledge rate. Hard to believe. I only wish this colony was in my backyard for my morning coffee. And a tear rolls down your cheek….

I'd be guessing the state park being protected has an abundant food supply with ample water. Prime habitat would be my guess. Can you share any photo's of the site? Be nice to see it.