Here in Scottsburg, IN we see martins between March 23rd and 29th. That's about 2 weeks away. Lucky me has today off so I'm going to start my preparation today.
I hope to get my rack of 16, 14 BO-11's with tunnel & 4 Whistle gourds, up and going. My new 2-tiered fountain rack's pole needs the ground work done and the T-14 could use a paint job.
By Sunday afternoon I should be ready. Two weeks may bring a little better weather. So I hope the martins wait to return until then.
Get ready Indiana
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
Hi All,
The weather is looking better and with it getting close to the 60s the next couple of days I am sure the martins will be on the move. The bigger wave of SYs will be a while yet.
Today I got the ground sleeve for the second gourd rack installed. I'll give it about three days before I add the rest of the pole on and attach the gourds. I am interested in seeing how the THGs do compared to the Natureline gourds I have used up to this point.
Over the winter, I purchased a Crosman, Benjamin Discovery PCP pellet rifle. I got the .177 caliber and had spent about 15 minutes sighting the scope in. The score as of today is Discovery (1), HOSP (0). And it was the male. These PCPs are really accurate and easy to shoot.
That is it for here.
Good luck all.
The weather is looking better and with it getting close to the 60s the next couple of days I am sure the martins will be on the move. The bigger wave of SYs will be a while yet.
Today I got the ground sleeve for the second gourd rack installed. I'll give it about three days before I add the rest of the pole on and attach the gourds. I am interested in seeing how the THGs do compared to the Natureline gourds I have used up to this point.
Over the winter, I purchased a Crosman, Benjamin Discovery PCP pellet rifle. I got the .177 caliber and had spent about 15 minutes sighting the scope in. The score as of today is Discovery (1), HOSP (0). And it was the male. These PCPs are really accurate and easy to shoot.
That is it for here.
Good luck all.
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
Indiana,
I think you made a good choice for a pellet gun.
I been reading up on them and it seems the Discovery and it's more expensive brother (the Marauder) seems to be the most popular.
Did you get the hand pump with your's and if you did, is it hard to pump? Are you satisfied with it (the hand pump)?
I been thinking about upgrading myself one day but I don't think I want to fool with the diving tank, etc. One reason is I don't think anybody with-in 200 miles of me even has one...
James
I think you made a good choice for a pellet gun.
I been reading up on them and it seems the Discovery and it's more expensive brother (the Marauder) seems to be the most popular.
Did you get the hand pump with your's and if you did, is it hard to pump? Are you satisfied with it (the hand pump)?
I been thinking about upgrading myself one day but I don't think I want to fool with the diving tank, etc. One reason is I don't think anybody with-in 200 miles of me even has one...
James
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
Hi JamesG,
Yes, I got the hand pump with my Discovery. I don't think it is really hard to pump. The first time you pressurize it, It takes some pumping. About 140 strokes. The recommend that you pump a little them give it a break. The pump will build up some heat from pumping high pressure.
You store it pressurized so the 140 is only once.
Once it is pressurized, you get about 40 shots before you need to pump again and since you are only topping off the chamber, it only takes about 45 pumps. The pumps are done slow. Raise up, wait 2 sec. push down, wait 2 sec. When you are in this pressure range, you put your weight on it to do the down stroke.
I am 61 and in reasonable health and had no problem.
I have heard some comments about the pump but it seemed to be very good quality to me.
I took about 15 minutes to sight in a good scope and can put 6 pellets under a dime at 30 yards. Now, holding it free hand in my golf cart I am sure I will not do as well.
I am not sure, but I think the Marauder holds 3000 psi where the Discovery only needs 2000psi. Less pumping. The Discovery is much louder though.
Hope this information helps.
Yes, I got the hand pump with my Discovery. I don't think it is really hard to pump. The first time you pressurize it, It takes some pumping. About 140 strokes. The recommend that you pump a little them give it a break. The pump will build up some heat from pumping high pressure.
You store it pressurized so the 140 is only once.
Once it is pressurized, you get about 40 shots before you need to pump again and since you are only topping off the chamber, it only takes about 45 pumps. The pumps are done slow. Raise up, wait 2 sec. push down, wait 2 sec. When you are in this pressure range, you put your weight on it to do the down stroke.
I am 61 and in reasonable health and had no problem.
I have heard some comments about the pump but it seemed to be very good quality to me.
I took about 15 minutes to sight in a good scope and can put 6 pellets under a dime at 30 yards. Now, holding it free hand in my golf cart I am sure I will not do as well.
I am not sure, but I think the Marauder holds 3000 psi where the Discovery only needs 2000psi. Less pumping. The Discovery is much louder though.
Hope this information helps.
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
Indiana....we are the same age man..... I'm a 1950 model 
That is one of the reasons I was wondering if it was hard to pump or not.
I wanted to be sure the wife can keep it pumped up for me...
I also have a golf cart but it finally give up the ghost last year after raising two boys and two girls.
Thanks and happy hunting...
James
That is one of the reasons I was wondering if it was hard to pump or not.
I wanted to be sure the wife can keep it pumped up for me...
I also have a golf cart but it finally give up the ghost last year after raising two boys and two girls.
Thanks and happy hunting...
James
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
Hey JamesG,
Your just a youngster. I'm from the 40's.
We had running water if you held the bucket up high when you poured it.
Good Luck this year
Your just a youngster. I'm from the 40's.
We had running water if you held the bucket up high when you poured it.
Good Luck this year
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3789
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
With the exception of one person who is a month earlier then any past report they seem to be pretty close to the average dates. I think there were a few early arrivals here the last week or so but things are getting back to normal. It looks like the weather is still going to be decent for the next week or so. I still haven't seen any tree swallows yet. I am hoping they get a couple week head start on nesting so I don't have to fight them again when I open my PM house.
Anybody else here in Indiana have tree swallows yet?
Anybody else here in Indiana have tree swallows yet?
2026 HOSP 27
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
Flying-lowe,
I agree with you, everything seems to have panned out. As for Tree Swallows they are in IN many birders have reported them last week. Maybe they focusing food instead of nest sites till its gets warmer.
Landonn
I agree with you, everything seems to have panned out. As for Tree Swallows they are in IN many birders have reported them last week. Maybe they focusing food instead of nest sites till its gets warmer.
Landonn
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
flyin-lowe,
I have had nesting pairs of trees here for the last two years but haven't seen the first one yet this year.
I have had nesting pairs of trees here for the last two years but haven't seen the first one yet this year.
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
Well, I am as ready as I can get. I got the new home made gourd rack finished and up today. Now I have 20 gourds ready.
It was such a nice day I kept looking over my shoulder expecting to see a martin setting there waiting for me to finish.
Everyone, have a great year.
It was such a nice day I kept looking over my shoulder expecting to see a martin setting there waiting for me to finish.
Everyone, have a great year.
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
-
flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3789
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
The only think i need to do is get some nesting material in. I collected it the other day but it was a little wet from all the rain we had. I have it in my garage drying out. I also need to add some snake netting to my new gourd rack and I might try to add some to the top of my PVC guard for my T14. I have an EZ off baffle guard that was installed after this picture was taken.
2026 HOSP 27
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
Fly-lowe,
Why do you have snake netting on your pole? Do you have a snake problem? You have a great site.
Like you guys I getting my home site ready. All is ready except some small things. Public site up next week. Have a year everyone.
Why do you have snake netting on your pole? Do you have a snake problem? You have a great site.
Like you guys I getting my home site ready. All is ready except some small things. Public site up next week. Have a year everyone.
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
I saw my first Tree Swallow this morning. He was a good little fellow that seemed interested in the two smaller gourds I have set up for them.
Another House Sparrow kicked the bucket this morning also. That makes it 6 out of 6 for my new Benjamin Discovery. Love the accuracy.
Martins can't be far behind.
landonn, I keep a 6 inch x 5 foot PVC pipe and snake netting around my martin poles. I have two nice sized black snakes here that usually stay around the barn but I don't want to take any chances. One snake can destroy a colony.
Good luck to all.
Another House Sparrow kicked the bucket this morning also. That makes it 6 out of 6 for my new Benjamin Discovery. Love the accuracy.
Martins can't be far behind.
landonn, I keep a 6 inch x 5 foot PVC pipe and snake netting around my martin poles. I have two nice sized black snakes here that usually stay around the barn but I don't want to take any chances. One snake can destroy a colony.
Good luck to all.
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3789
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
Landon
Indiana is populated with rat snakes. I have never seen a big rat snake around my place but most people don't know there are snakes around until their colony gets wiped out. Even in a more urban area I would recommend some type of guard against snakes. Talk to some farmers or highway workers who are out and about a lot and you will likely find that there are some rat snakes around your area too. It doesn't necessarily have to be a rat snake either. Many types of snakes could wipe out a colony if they are long enough to get wrapped around your pole and from there it is an easy climb.
Indiana is populated with rat snakes. I have never seen a big rat snake around my place but most people don't know there are snakes around until their colony gets wiped out. Even in a more urban area I would recommend some type of guard against snakes. Talk to some farmers or highway workers who are out and about a lot and you will likely find that there are some rat snakes around your area too. It doesn't necessarily have to be a rat snake either. Many types of snakes could wipe out a colony if they are long enough to get wrapped around your pole and from there it is an easy climb.
2026 HOSP 27
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
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Guest
Hi all,
New to this forum and this is my first yr attempting to bring martins to my place. Live in Columbus and have my house up and open. A friend has given me a "Martin Chatter" CD. Is this helpful? I intend to read as much of this forum as I can, love learning about new things.
Thanks~
New to this forum and this is my first yr attempting to bring martins to my place. Live in Columbus and have my house up and open. A friend has given me a "Martin Chatter" CD. Is this helpful? I intend to read as much of this forum as I can, love learning about new things.
Thanks~
Boxercrzy,
Welcome to the forum alot of great landlords post on here.
The martin chatter cd does work. I like the dawnsong cd better. What kind of house do you have? Ones with big compartments are very important when attracting martins. Be sure to control starlings and house sparrows.
Landonn
Welcome to the forum alot of great landlords post on here.
The martin chatter cd does work. I like the dawnsong cd better. What kind of house do you have? Ones with big compartments are very important when attracting martins. Be sure to control starlings and house sparrows.
Landonn
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Indiana_Tom
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 10:01 am
- Location: Paragon, Indiana
Hi Boxercrazy, Welcome to the PMCA web site. The chatter box will help although I agree with landown that the Dawnsong may be better.
There is a ton of things to learn about being a landlord for martins. So, if something comes up or you are unsure about something, just ask. Everyone is very good about trying to help. The place to get the most landlords involved is on the main forum page. Just add a subject and then ask your question. The quickest replies seem to result if they know it is a question so a good title would be "Question about ????????.
The martins should be here any day now. Of course, that is the scouts at first. If you don't know, they are older martins that usually have a site they are headed back to. That is not always the case. Sometimes their old sites are gone and they will be looking for a new one.
It is more likely that you will get a pair of SY's (second year martin) when they start arriving in a few weeks. It is interesting, enjoyable and frustrating as all get out when you are trying to get your first pair.
We would like to know what you are offering for housing this year. Gourds work very well but other housing works also. The location is very important, especially in getting your first pair. Try to be away from the trees.
Give me a yell if you need anything. I get an ae-mail each time a post is made to this thread and I will try to help if I can.
Good Luck
There is a ton of things to learn about being a landlord for martins. So, if something comes up or you are unsure about something, just ask. Everyone is very good about trying to help. The place to get the most landlords involved is on the main forum page. Just add a subject and then ask your question. The quickest replies seem to result if they know it is a question so a good title would be "Question about ????????.
The martins should be here any day now. Of course, that is the scouts at first. If you don't know, they are older martins that usually have a site they are headed back to. That is not always the case. Sometimes their old sites are gone and they will be looking for a new one.
It is more likely that you will get a pair of SY's (second year martin) when they start arriving in a few weeks. It is interesting, enjoyable and frustrating as all get out when you are trying to get your first pair.
We would like to know what you are offering for housing this year. Gourds work very well but other housing works also. The location is very important, especially in getting your first pair. Try to be away from the trees.
Give me a yell if you need anything. I get an ae-mail each time a post is made to this thread and I will try to help if I can.
Good Luck
2009, 1 pair of SYs w/4 eggs - wait, no 4 babies and all 4 fledged. What a great experience.
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
2010, 2 ASY pair and 2 SY pair 18eggs / 14 fledged.
2011, 12 pair with 49 eggs, 43 fledged.
2012, 20 pair with 113 eggs as of 1 June
2013, 22 pair with 112 eggs as of 9 June
2014, 23 pair with 113 eggs
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Guest
Thanks for the warm welcome!
I have the Birds Choice Waters-edge Martin Suites with 8 suites on a 15 ft adjustable pole. I have a decoy perched on the roof also. It is placed in my back yard, no trees as this is my septic field.
When should I start playing the CD?
I noticed I already have competing birds trying to nest....:(
I purchased the half moon shape entrance in hopes that would deter them....bummer.
Now I need to get reading all the info you have to offer!!!
I have the Birds Choice Waters-edge Martin Suites with 8 suites on a 15 ft adjustable pole. I have a decoy perched on the roof also. It is placed in my back yard, no trees as this is my septic field.
When should I start playing the CD?
I noticed I already have competing birds trying to nest....:(
I purchased the half moon shape entrance in hopes that would deter them....bummer.
Now I need to get reading all the info you have to offer!!!