Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.
I have never seen an Indigo Bunting. Kansas bird guide says they nest in the eastern 2/3rds of the state. I am probably real close to that western edge so I figured I wouldn't have one. Suddenly one drops down into our fenced back yard (we have a cedar split rail with goat fence to keep the dogs in). He didn't even mind that the dogs went out the doggy door and were fifteen feet away. He must be hungry!
I have never seen one, but my my dad and husband did, the day before yesterday, May 1, at the bird feeder.... and was first time ever for them.
ChrisM
NE Kansas
2012-1 worn out S&K house,6 compartments,
12 fledglings
2013 - 1- 6 unit Coates House w/ SREH, 1 remodeled 6 unit remoded Aluminum house with Clinger tunnels
Great pictures! They definitely wear their name well. I've been watching rose breasted grosbeaks and orioles at my feeders the last couple days. What beautiful colors all around us. Annie
Keep trying and keep your chin up, its easier to see the martins coming!!
Congrats Deb, aren't they wonderful. I hope they stay for you to enjoy. I had never seen one until we moved to our current place in KY and we have several that come each summer. They are so striking. This year we have had our first Grosbeak and I saw my first ever Scarlet Tanager 2 days ago. It was stunning. I think it was probably passing through.
Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..
Though I don't have a pic, we witnessed one at our finch feeder last night..it fed for awhile and flew back towards the timber..pretty cool Ks neighbors!!!
22 year landlord..9 Rack Systems for 2018 and my home built T-8 for a total of 166 cavities..160 pair in 2018 ..SUPER COLONY!!! Love You Bev... Fan of those St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!
Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.
Wow. Lots of sightings going on all over. He is so pretty. I have always wanted to see a Scarlet Tanager too but I will have to re-read about them. I remember thinking they were one I wouldn't see here. But...that is what I used to think about this blue creature.
Dorn...you are not a copy cat but clearly your camera lens is much better than mine! Wonderful picture.
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied. Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
Deb..,
So lucky!!!! I am "blue" with envy .....Such a beautiful bird!! Very exciting. Great picture. Can you believe he just stayed still for it with the dog and everything? Yay!
