Purple Martin Forum

Thank you Jeff ,Deb,Emil and John very helpful and informative replys. I'll watch for the behavior you mentioned I was perplexed as this was new from years past. Thanks again for taking the time.

Last year I had 3 pair and fledged 8. They showed back up a week ago and the last couple of days I've counted over a dozen flying in and out of my house and gourds. Then late in the evening before sunset I go out to check and no one is home. I moved my pole to make sure and nothing but every morning...

Would Garland or Austin be the best this year. Houston too far..

I had 18 martins this year and fledged 24. They were all here a week ago and after the last baby took flight I saw less and less of them. The last few days I noticed they have joined my neighbors colony that been there for over 15 years a trio castle. They come over when they see me and my lab out w...

Thanks to all that told me to keep the house up. They were late in arriving and they brought friends.

Forgot to mention I had several hawk attacks with one bird found on the ground with a talon hole ripped into him. I quickly took him to Rogers bird rehab in Hutchins Texas. I can't say enough about Penny Casey and her dedication. She took the bird home with her and worked and worked to bring him bac...

Forgot to mention I had several hawk attacks with one bird found on the ground with a talon hole ripped into him. I quickly took him to Rogers bird rehab in Hutchins Texas. I can't say enough about Penny Casey and her dedication. She took the bird home with her and worked and worked to bring him bac...

Last year I had 6 pair with 3 nest that had eggs into early June. With the drought high temps and a sparrow problem they abandoned the house. So far this year I've only seen one lone scout but he moved on that day. Should I leave the house up or take it down and wait until next year? My neighbors ho...

I have sympathy for the communities that have geese the entire year. I play golf and have read where they have completely taken over a golf courses in other parts of the country. In my part of Texas we're strictly a fly over I've never seen one on the ground. The game warden did say they're consider...

Monday I was outside in my yard planting some Carolina jasmine when I heard a flock of Canadian geese flying overhead. I ran inside and got my binoculars to watch them while in range. I was thinking what an absolutely beautiful majestic bird they are.. In about 15 min. I heard that sound again but t...

Amazing, Thanks for sharing your set up with the world hopefully it'll inspire some new landlords. Very emotional to see our newest Martins make their appearance.

I'm in Whitney about 200 miles North of you and I'm watching 3 nest but only 1 with eggs (5). I'm in my second year of trying first year with birds. Good luck will be watching your post for updates.

Thank You, I'm on it.

I have a martin in rehab at Rogers Rehab that was the result of a hawk attack.First I thought I may have accidentally shot him with a stray pellet but Penny never found the pellet and her diagnosis was a Hawk. Then this morning while drinking my coffee out back it was the most frighting thing a Mart...

AMAZING! Thank You for the post.

I live about 150 miles north of you 3-4 of my 8 martin colony were exhibiting the droopy behavior yesterday. They would sit for the longest time on the upper perches and fluff up and hold their wings out and down.I pray this is the end of our cold snaps. Sorry to here about your babies good luck to ...

I had the same behavior here in Lake Whitney my little colony (8 birds)was on their house and above them it looked like a Martin tornado. It lasted for about an hour and then dissipated.

Was ready to purchase meal-worms when I was confronted with too many choices. Do Martins like Dried,Roasted or live meal-worms? Do Crickets have the same choices? I've looked and searched with no luck finding the answer. Best place to buy?
Thanks for any help.

David so sorry to hear of your family's loss. My brother's Schnauzers Jack and Hallie (born on Halloween) have brought so much joy and comfort it's unmeasurable. Thanks for sharing Major's story with us.

Went for a nest check and to lower my pole due to 40mph gust and to my total surprise 3eggs. My regular 7 birds were there but then I looked in the sky and saw a funnel cloud of martins above the house?20 or more. Visitors? I watched for over an hour until it finally dissipated. While doing yard wor...