Just got back from Spring Break on Anna Maria Island FL. It is a barrier island just south of the mouth of Tampa Bay. My Mother has a great place on open water for Martins. It is salt water.
Does anyone know of any active colonies around Anna Maria, Long Boat Key, Siesta Key, that are on the intercoastal waterway?
I'd love to put up housing at my Mother's home.
FL Salt Water Martins
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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.
Hey Allan! I looked on the map and found the area you speak of is on the Gulf Coast. I don't know the area - but I believe if you provide Purple Martins with good housing and protect them from nest competitors, I believe you could easily attract a colony.
Read up on all the basics on this website. Location of the housing is important. All that information can be found above under the buttons labeled "Martin FAQ" and "Archives". If you run into anything you can't find the answer to - don't be afraid to ask. This Forum is eager to aid everybody who loves Purple Martins!
Sincerely,
Laverne
Read up on all the basics on this website. Location of the housing is important. All that information can be found above under the buttons labeled "Martin FAQ" and "Archives". If you run into anything you can't find the answer to - don't be afraid to ask. This Forum is eager to aid everybody who loves Purple Martins!
Sincerely,
Laverne
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
I grew up in that area. There are a lot of smaller bodies of water that are more like fresh water and not so salty. I guess you would call it brine, cant remember what the middle mixture is called? I think it would be a great place to try. Beautiful area to live and grow up too. Good luck and keep us posted if you do put something up.
D'Nese in Tennessee
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
Thanks D'Nese, It is beautiful there. I plan to retire there someday. I have never seen Martin housing on the intercoastal or Bay. It is definitely ALL Salt Water there. My colony in New Bern is on the water and it is brackish (50/50)
The martins drink this water and seem to be thriving.
The martins drink this water and seem to be thriving.
Update... Just got Back from Anna Maria Island. I was at my mothers last week and walked outside at dusk to take a call. I heard Martins chirping, looked up and saw about 8 or 10 doing their nightly bedding vortex. I saw them all dive down simultaneously into the near horizon to roost.
I'm going to put up housing for next year! Looking forward to having a Florida colony!
I'm going to put up housing for next year! Looking forward to having a Florida colony!
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Courtney-NC
- Posts: 592
- Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:28 pm
- Location: Holly Springs, NC
- Martin Colony History: 2009-2015-Helped to manage Raleigh site, 36 cavities
2016- 33 pairs at Raleigh site, 1 pair at home site.
2017- 34 pairs at Raleigh site, 3 pairs + extra SYs at home site
2018- 33 pairs at Raleigh site, 5 pairs + extra SYs at home site
2019 - 32 pairs at Raleigh site, 7 pairs at home site, 2 pairs at new Holly Springs park site
Hi Allan! Good to hear from you, it's been a while.
That's great of you to consider putting up housing down there in FL.
We were just in New Bern two weeks ago. It was beautiful in the area around Tryon Palace!
That's great of you to consider putting up housing down there in FL.
We were just in New Bern two weeks ago. It was beautiful in the area around Tryon Palace!
-Courtney
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NC Purple Martin Society (PMCA affiliate)
http://www.ncpurplemartin.org
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NC Purple Martin Society (PMCA affiliate)
http://www.ncpurplemartin.org