Purple Martin Forum

This is exactly how my colony got started. Thus my username - Junior07. In 2007 the young guy started stopping by around lunch time almost daily. After 3 years he brought a gal with him and the rest is history. My colony will be very close to fledging 300 this season if all goes well. Patience does ...

First egg of the season and Mom decided to stick around for the photo shoot. So far this season promises to be even better than last! I attached a photo but have no idea why it’s not showing up.

The calm before the return. It's way too quiet around the Rumple Ranch. Looking and listening for Martins. I took a great photo but can't seem to figure out how to post it.

rrmartins,

I'm wondering why you paint your cedar nest boxes? Shouldn't they weather just fine? I thought that was the whole purpose for using cedar.

A friend of mine and myself just made 56 nest boxes as you described. I Don't plan on painting mine.

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Msaltzman hang in there! My sub adults showed up a couple days ago. It took me 3 years to get a nesting pair. Once you get started it will grow and grow.

Settling in before sunset.

Who else is coming to Finger?

My good friend Jim and I are headed south on Thursday morning. Can't wait to get off the Ranch and be a part of this year's Festival.

Two weeks ago I was walking around the high school where I work and said to myself, "there's an awesome spot for a Martin set up" . I ran the idea by my principal and you're looking at the results in the link below. I hope we can get some birds to check out the new set up thus season. This...

Reading your post Pear makes me feel a lot better. I also have just 2 birds one male and one female. I'm beginning to wonder if any birds are going to show up. I know they will, its just hard to wait. Looking forward to a great year! I've been telling my buddy that my birds will show up when the war...

My first chirps were last night! Great sound!

Here's to a great season Doug!

Ten day forecast here in East-Central Illinois is cold, cold, and more cold. The highs are going to have to work to get to 50 degrees. We've actually got up to 5" of snow forecast for this Sunday evening. Nature has a way of taking care of all creatures great and small. I agree with you rdharli...

Thanks for the information Leandortree! That's what I needed to hear. Nothing like an experienced Landlord to set the record straight.

It looks like you've got a colony about twice the size as mine. Here's to another great year!

I decided to cut out some liners for my nest boxes. Painted them with oil base paint for easy cleaning.

http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o72 ... 2e0977.jpg

Whatever you decide make sure that you have a way to raise and lower your housing. Good Luck!

I've got the 2" square aluminum tubing for my gourd pole setup. It works very well. I do go out and crank things down when I know we're going to get a strong storm or high winds.

I have slide out nest trays. I'd like to seal the wood to preserve it and make it easier to clean. These trays won't last long as messy as Martin nest get if there's not something to protect the wood.

Can't believe someone hasn't thought of this yet

I just got my new T-14 house and I love it. I'd like to protect the nest boxes with something. This would also make them easier to clean at the end of the season. Can I use oil base paint and paint the inside of the nest box? Can I use a primer/sealer in the inside of the nest boxes? Who's had exper...

These birds never cease to amaze me! Even with an extra day added for leap year they've arrived on the 17th! Have a great Year Susan.