Well it won't be long now till my martin season will be over. I had 3 pair this year. One nest fledged about 10 days ago. The last two are fledging today. There are nine babies learning to fly this morning in my back yard and it has really been something to watch. I've been drinking my coffee and enjoying the show, thinking back over the last 8 years, I never thought I'd see such a sight. There are only 14 birds, babies and adults, flying and swooping around but it looks like a hundred!
As enjoyable as it is, I know that it's just a matter of a few days and they'll all be gone. Sure will be quiet here. I hate to see it end. All in all I've had a great martin season. I had 14 of 15 eggs hatch and all the babies made it. There's been no problems with sparrows and starlings, no snakes, no owl's, no hawk attacks (and they're here!)
I wish all of you a good martin season (whats left of it) Enjoy, It sure don't last long. For those still trying and waiting, hang in there and don't give up! It will happen and it's SO worth it!
The season finally!
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
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Trio-Jedi
to all the landlords having difficulties attracting martins, this is a great story of sticking to it and being rewarded.
Congrats on a great season.
Congrats on a great season.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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taxidermy lady
- Posts: 2988
- Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:21 am
- Location: IL/Ellis Grove
- Martin Colony History: Started trying to attract purple martins in 2012! It's finally happened in 2017! 5 years!!! ASY male and SY female came May 1st, fledged 5 babies!
That is an inspiring story and makes me so excited about next yr. thanks 
Sharon from southern Illinois
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Mitch Booth
- Posts: 480
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:23 am
- Location: Akron, OH
- Martin Colony History: 2012 - 0
2013 - 1 pair, 4 eggs, 2 fledged
2014 - 0
2015 - 1 pair, 5 died during week of rain
2016 - 0
2017 - 1 pair, 4 eggs, 4 fledged
2018 - 4 pair, 19 eggs, 19 fledged
2019 - 7 pair
2020 - 17 pair
Tony,
I'm in the same boat as you. Or I wish...
I tired starting a colony back in 2007 and had no luck for 5 years. I didn't have the proper location or flyways and there was nothing I could do to improve on this situation.
By chance we moved in 2012 and the house had an existing T-14 but was filled with Starlings. In 2012 I struck out again. In 2013 I had one successful pair that laid 4 eggs, hatched 3 and fledged 2!! I had a camera installed and watched them daily. The one nestling just died but not due to predation or blowfly. I figured I was in like Flynn for 2014. Nothing!! I do get visitors daily but no nesters. To say this year was a disappointment would be a huge understatement!!
I guess the only bright side to the equation is that I have huge flyways and 1-1/2 acre pond in the front yard. I suppose if I had a nesting pair last year that sooner or later I may be able to attract them again. I'm about a mile away from a roost and during the month of August I'll have 30-50 martins a day landing on the gourd rack and T-14.
Only thing I can do now is wait for next year.
Tony did you play the dawnsong last year prior to your founding pair? I've heard some people indicate that the Dawnsong is over-rated and could possibly scare off martins once they arrive?
Mitch
I'm in the same boat as you. Or I wish...
I tired starting a colony back in 2007 and had no luck for 5 years. I didn't have the proper location or flyways and there was nothing I could do to improve on this situation.
By chance we moved in 2012 and the house had an existing T-14 but was filled with Starlings. In 2012 I struck out again. In 2013 I had one successful pair that laid 4 eggs, hatched 3 and fledged 2!! I had a camera installed and watched them daily. The one nestling just died but not due to predation or blowfly. I figured I was in like Flynn for 2014. Nothing!! I do get visitors daily but no nesters. To say this year was a disappointment would be a huge understatement!!
I guess the only bright side to the equation is that I have huge flyways and 1-1/2 acre pond in the front yard. I suppose if I had a nesting pair last year that sooner or later I may be able to attract them again. I'm about a mile away from a roost and during the month of August I'll have 30-50 martins a day landing on the gourd rack and T-14.
Only thing I can do now is wait for next year.
Tony did you play the dawnsong last year prior to your founding pair? I've heard some people indicate that the Dawnsong is over-rated and could possibly scare off martins once they arrive?
Mitch
2020 - 17 pair 77 eggs 69 fledged
2019 - 7 pair
2018 - 4 pair 19 eggs, 19 fledged
2017 - 1 pair 4 eggs, 4 fledged
2016 - 0 only visits
2015 - 1 pair 5 eggs, 5 hatched, 5 dead on days 6-7
2014 - 0 only visits
2013 - 1 pair 3 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 fledged
2012 - 0
2019 - 7 pair
2018 - 4 pair 19 eggs, 19 fledged
2017 - 1 pair 4 eggs, 4 fledged
2016 - 0 only visits
2015 - 1 pair 5 eggs, 5 hatched, 5 dead on days 6-7
2014 - 0 only visits
2013 - 1 pair 3 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 fledged
2012 - 0
Thanks dorn for your comments.
Sharon, Dorn's exactly right, you have to stick with it! I've been monitoring your post all summer & rooting hard for you. A few martins just knowing where you are is half the battle. You never know when a pair may loose their housing or leave another site, I feel like Fred will return to you next year as an adult. If so he won't have as hard a time finding a girl. Wishing only good things for you.
Mitch,
No, I didn't play the Dawnsong last spring. I'm not knocking it by any means, but I played a sort of daytime chatter CD that another wonderful member of this forum sent me. It attracted a lot of birds, and the Dawnsong CD did too, but I have to admit, I was having a party in the yard and playing country music through my speakers when my founding pair showed up. That's no lie!
I wish you luck as well. I can only imagine how disappointed you were when yours didn't return. I probably would have given up at that point, and I respect the fact that you didn't.
Thanks JR, I'm already looking forward to next year & they ain't even gone yet!
Sharon, Dorn's exactly right, you have to stick with it! I've been monitoring your post all summer & rooting hard for you. A few martins just knowing where you are is half the battle. You never know when a pair may loose their housing or leave another site, I feel like Fred will return to you next year as an adult. If so he won't have as hard a time finding a girl. Wishing only good things for you.
Mitch,
No, I didn't play the Dawnsong last spring. I'm not knocking it by any means, but I played a sort of daytime chatter CD that another wonderful member of this forum sent me. It attracted a lot of birds, and the Dawnsong CD did too, but I have to admit, I was having a party in the yard and playing country music through my speakers when my founding pair showed up. That's no lie!
I wish you luck as well. I can only imagine how disappointed you were when yours didn't return. I probably would have given up at that point, and I respect the fact that you didn't.Thanks JR, I'm already looking forward to next year & they ain't even gone yet!
Tony
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
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pmartinlover2
- Posts: 521
- Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2014 6:37 pm
- Location: IL/Hillsboro
- Martin Colony History: 2011 Home site--1 SY pair--2 fledged
2016 Satellite Site---4 pair--19 eggs laid--17 hatched--16 fledged
2017 Satellite Site--8 pair--37 eggs laid--34 hatched--34 fledged
2018 11 pair--fledged 60
2019 20 pair-fledged 94
2020 23pair-fledged 108
Great story Tony. I hope to be able to post such a story myself next year! Enjoy the rest of the martin season.
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tonyg
- Posts: 1520
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
- Location: Olpe, KS
- 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..
Nobody deserved it more than you Tony! You waited a long time for this joy to come to your back yards..congrats on a good season!!
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!!!!!
pmartinlover2,
I also hope you can claim success next year my friend.
Tony,
I feel like I had to pay my due's, that's for sure. But I think a little bit of a struggle along the way may give you a little more appreciation for what you have. I see several people on here that I know will make very good landlord when they finally get martin.
I also hope you can claim success next year my friend.
Tony,
I feel like I had to pay my due's, that's for sure. But I think a little bit of a struggle along the way may give you a little more appreciation for what you have. I see several people on here that I know will make very good landlord when they finally get martin.
Tony
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
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dhjohnson
- Posts: 478
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:24 pm
- Location: North Carolina/Clayton
- Martin Colony History: 5th year hostess. Currently 58 confirmed breeding pair. 218 Fledged, 35 older nestlings, 2 new nests with 8 nestlings. 100% occupancy
Great Story Tony!
Couldn't have happened to a better PM host! We are doing okay here in NC! 3rd year 37 pair so far, 54 have fledged and 141 young left to fledge! Bug population is good and I have 2 new eggs in separate nests from already fledged nests! Go figure! Watching that acenario!
So happy for you!
Debbie
Couldn't have happened to a better PM host! We are doing okay here in NC! 3rd year 37 pair so far, 54 have fledged and 141 young left to fledge! Bug population is good and I have 2 new eggs in separate nests from already fledged nests! Go figure! Watching that acenario!
So happy for you!
Debbie
Debbie Johnson
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
Clayton/NC (Archer Lodge)
2012 New Site 6 pair, 21 Fledged
2013 24 pair, 102 eggs, 94 hatched, 89 Fledged. What a great year!
2014 37 pair, 211 eggs, 193 Hatched, 178 Fledged, 1 nest of 5 young left! Late start but picked up speed quickly!
Thank you Debbie
I have had so much support here on this forum in the last 6 years, I feel that the credit for my success is not all mine. All the advice, prayers, crossed fingers, hopes, and well wishes I have received when all my friends and family thought I was crazy, kept me going. I remember telling my wife not long after I joined, "I don't think those people like me very much" but that feeling changed very quickly, and I feel like I have a whole host of friends, of witch I've only met a hand full. That alone speaks volumes to me.
I have had so much support here on this forum in the last 6 years, I feel that the credit for my success is not all mine. All the advice, prayers, crossed fingers, hopes, and well wishes I have received when all my friends and family thought I was crazy, kept me going. I remember telling my wife not long after I joined, "I don't think those people like me very much" but that feeling changed very quickly, and I feel like I have a whole host of friends, of witch I've only met a hand full. That alone speaks volumes to me.
Tony
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
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baileysambone
- Posts: 131
- Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:38 pm
- Location: Louisiana/Baton Rouge
Tony,
So glad for your successful year. All mine have fledged too. So quiet around here now. I find myself going outside just looking to see if any will come by. This morning some did when I went out and stood by the house.
A new ASY male even landed on the house today. The only birds I see are the last pair that fledged from my front house this week.
Thank you for giving us the update. You still are my favorite person on this forum.
Yvonne
So glad for your successful year. All mine have fledged too. So quiet around here now. I find myself going outside just looking to see if any will come by. This morning some did when I went out and stood by the house.
A new ASY male even landed on the house today. The only birds I see are the last pair that fledged from my front house this week.
Thank you for giving us the update. You still are my favorite person on this forum.
Yvonne
2011 visitors
2012 1 pair ASY male, SY female 9 eggs, 8 hatched, fledged 5
2013 5 pair fledged 8
2014 4 pair fledged 15
2015 7 pair fledged 25
2016 10 pair fledged 31
2017 17 pair fledged 69
2018 18 pair fledged 69
2019 21 pair fledged 52 (biting gnats lost babies)
2020 17 pair fledged 53
2021 16 pair fledged 62 ( hard freeze in Feb for days. Lost 39 birds. My oldest and wisest)
2022 11 pair fledged 43
2012 1 pair ASY male, SY female 9 eggs, 8 hatched, fledged 5
2013 5 pair fledged 8
2014 4 pair fledged 15
2015 7 pair fledged 25
2016 10 pair fledged 31
2017 17 pair fledged 69
2018 18 pair fledged 69
2019 21 pair fledged 52 (biting gnats lost babies)
2020 17 pair fledged 53
2021 16 pair fledged 62 ( hard freeze in Feb for days. Lost 39 birds. My oldest and wisest)
2022 11 pair fledged 43
Yvonne
What a nice thing to say. Thank you.
I still have 6 martins here 4 ASY males, 1 SY male, and 1 female. I'm wondering if the female is new or maybe going to renest. I find it odd that I have more ASY males here now than all season.
What a nice thing to say. Thank you.
I still have 6 martins here 4 ASY males, 1 SY male, and 1 female. I'm wondering if the female is new or maybe going to renest. I find it odd that I have more ASY males here now than all season.
Tony
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3
2007 --- 0 2011---0 2015---4
2008 --- 0 2012---0 16-19—0
2009 --- 0 2013---1 2020—?
2010 --- 0 2014---3