Any sightings in mid-Atlantic states yet?

[robndebby]

We always see all you Texans with sightings and colonies way before we do here in mid-Virginia, just wondering if anyone in our region has had any sightings yet? They were early last year, earlier than we've ever seen, somewhere around March 7 I think. Which means we need to get our gourds up, poles are up so it won't take long to put the gourds on them. Right now our pine needles are somewhat wet from all the snow and calling for more tonight and tomorrow, so we'll just put a few cedar shavings in the bottom and add the pine needles later. They seem to appreciate the extra effort of a nice cushioning bed. Since we almost lost a whole colony one year to mites, we also put a little Sevin in the bottom with the cedar shavings. We live in Powhatan, Virginia, about 20 miles west of Richmond. I've seen some nice colonies around here, would like to have a posting from someone if they see them. Thanks! Hope everyone has a good year!

[gwarnerjr]

Hopefully NOT!!! 2-5 inches of sleet/snow forecasted for tonight. They usually show up Apr.1st +or- here on the Chesapeake Bay side of VA. I did hear of a sighting near Chesapeake recently though.

[BrianC]

When would you recommend I put up new housing (gourds) in my area?
Charles, County Waldorf, MD. I work long hours in spring so I might not be able to check on competition birds as much so I was thinking later like early to mid April. Thanks for any opinions Brian

[robndebby]

I'd say get those houses up now, Brian C. Scouts sometimes come in February even though the rest show up in mid-March. Also, using crescent shaped holes keep out starlings. We had used round holes for years and shot the starlings but it got to be too much. We changed to the crescent shape and the first year the Martins came back, they seemed to have a hard time figuring out how to get inside. By the end of the day they had worked it out and we've been using those entrances for about eight years now. The only problem we have is those pesky sparrows. We do try to shoot them but we just don't always have the time, so every evening we pull a house down we think they are using and pull their nests out every day. Eventually they give up. Have a good Martin season!

[BrianC]

Thanks Robndebby,

I have some work to do on my gourds but I will do that and get them up! (tunnels, porches and clinger entrances) I will have the pellet gun ready for the HOSP!
Thanks
Brian

[Bill Pec]

An ASY male martin arrived at my place today. I live near Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta , VA.

Bill