Well I sorry I have not been on for a while, but I lost my log in and Louise was able to recover my information. Well I am up to 20 pair so far. I would never thought that I would have this many at this Florida site due to the numbers were in decline in this area. The Sy's have started showing up, but it has just started. I am still getting ASY'S showing up. I hope to fill all of my 34 rooms. Would it not be nice to have to add a new gourd rack.
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony. I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas. When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle. When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming. Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs. Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
James,
I hope that you are one of the landlords who we look at your rapid increase in numbers between one year and the next.
Then we can admire your success and ponder why it happened!
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Think why I am able to increase my colony is the start of that first pair. If you can get them to nest and raise young then others see it is a good place.
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!
Congratulations James,
I know what you're feeling right now and it doesn't get much better than that. I have been very fortunate for my neighbor had martins when I moved here which made things easier for me. Please remember to be vigilant for as your numbers grow so do the threat of predators. Again, congratulations to you and may you have a record year!
Yes, Congrats on your booming growth! I am enjoying reading your posts, vicariously landlording if there is such a term. LOL Keep up the good work; you are doing something right! Oh yeah you are in FL too!
~Mary B~
Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
Martin Colony History: Started in 1992 From neighbors old 1950-60's colonies. Have 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 4 MPP Poles, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals ,& 2 S&K 11" WITH Troyer Porches ready for 2019 Season !
Great! James! Congrats , Sometimes " Being careful what you ask for, IS for the Birds !" Funny thing , (and I DO mean funny! ) is that as I type this, the Oldie Radio Station is playing the Bee Gee's "Staying Alive" Hmmm... What we ALL Help the Martins do! Again Congrats James & Best of luck !
PMCA Member, 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals + Tunnels, & 2 S&K Bo 11"s WITH Troyer Porches ! 4 MPPs, For 2019 Season !! Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.
Thanks Jody and Mary and Anthony .Yes Fl always get there birds first and the numbers have been showing a down turn for years, but with a few of your Landlord who have really went out of there way to not only have a colony at there home they have set-up satellites housing. The one who has really stands out is Carlton. He has really improved the numbers and I think that with him and others over the years has help me increase my numbers. I hope to next year I have to enlarge my colony if I can get all 34 compartments and gourds full this year. I would love to be come a super colony in South Florida. I think that may be a first.
I am so happy for you! I remember the old times when you were trying so hard to attract martins. I know you probably just wanted quit at times. But you didn't and continued trying.
Well your hard work and patience has paid off and now you have a thriving and growing martin colony. The way things are going, you may just have to keep on expanding and yes, you may end up having one of those rare super colonies in south Florida!
Thanks for sharing that update with us and please continue to let us know how your martin colony is doing.
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..
Congrats James on your growing colony! Well deserved!!
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!!!!!
Steve thanks a lot for your words of never give up over the years. Think that you are one person on here that everyone wishes to be when it comes to having a great colony. I have always listen to the greats on here and the knowledge that you and others have past on to us. Thanks for your leadership and I hope that your number come to where they should be. I know that you have had some loses, but you have a great site and the martins have a great landlord.
Tony, thanks and I hope that you have a great year and may all you houses and gourds be full.
Again Congrats James & Best of luck !