2 Baby Martins in Fombell PA

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Doug Martin - PA
Posts: 1988
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.

Well there has been much activity this year in my neighborhood and the end result is the only offspring in Beaver County Pennsylvania.

After some initial sparrow trouble, there are 2 young a week from fledging. Photo taken by my sister at their Fombell site down the road from me.

I have enjoyed a lot of Martin activity this year and would expect my first pair next year as Martins are on the increase in SW PA.

Doug

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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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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.

Hello Doug.

Those are beautiful babies! Please extend my greetings and congratulations to your sister, from Texas. :wink:

I've been wondering how things were going there in Fombell. "Purple Martins for you" is still on my wish list for next season!

Good luck and let us know when those nestlings fledge!
Sincerely,
Laverne
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