How Long

[ondrasmom]

I have numerous martins on the gourd rack and in and out of gourds. How long after they arrive should I look for eggs in the nesting area?

[gsimpson]

Watch for them to start bringing green leaves to the nest. That's the first sign egg laying is going to start.

[KathyF]

Doris, you don't have to check their nests yet for eggs, but a daily walk around your racks would be good to check for trapped birds in the openings - wing entrapment, etc.

You will know that nesting has started when you will see them start picking up nest material out of your yard. When they start plucking green leaves you'll know that it's time to start doing nest checks - every 5 days!

[flyin-lowe]

There is not a set number. Some martins that arrive will start nesting building pretty quickly. Last year my martins were here for a couple weeks before they started nest building. Once you start nest checks do them in the afternoon and not in the morning. Morning is when they are laying eggs typically. They will usually lay one per day. Once they stop laying eggs that is when they will start incubating and you can start your countdown to hatch date.

[ondrasmom]

Thanks guys, I will keep you posted