Folks around here say fewer Martins this year
Any thoughts in your area?
PMCA member
2015 - 18 Gourds offered - 12 active nests, 62 eggs, 51 fledged
2014 - 18 gourds offered - 12 active nests, 52 eggs, 48 fledged
2013 - 12 gourds offered - 9 pairs, 56 eggs, 52 hatched, 49 fledged
2012 - 12 gourds offered -4 pairs, 20 eggs, 19 fledged
2011 - 6 gourds offered -1 pair, 5 eggs, 5 hatched, 5 fledged !!!!
2015 - 18 Gourds offered - 12 active nests, 62 eggs, 51 fledged
2014 - 18 gourds offered - 12 active nests, 52 eggs, 48 fledged
2013 - 12 gourds offered - 9 pairs, 56 eggs, 52 hatched, 49 fledged
2012 - 12 gourds offered -4 pairs, 20 eggs, 19 fledged
2011 - 6 gourds offered -1 pair, 5 eggs, 5 hatched, 5 fledged !!!!
-
4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- 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.
I would say more, but that is probably due to fixing up well placed, good quality martin houses to modern specs that have been neglected for a long time.
90% of the 6 x 6 compartments were full of old sparrow nests. The locations were ideal but as Mike Scully as pointed out the original landlords were long gone and the new homeowners had no idea what to do.
Now the houses are double compartments with SREH and free of S&S. These refurbished, modified houses filled up with martins this season. Late but they came.
Mark.
90% of the 6 x 6 compartments were full of old sparrow nests. The locations were ideal but as Mike Scully as pointed out the original landlords were long gone and the new homeowners had no idea what to do.
Now the houses are double compartments with SREH and free of S&S. These refurbished, modified houses filled up with martins this season. Late but they came.
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.
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.
-
Chuck4
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
- Location: North MS
- Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.
2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).
In my area, the numbers seem to be roughly the same. I have many more in my immediate area though, due to my colony. 
PMCA Member
_____
_____
-
birdy girl
- Posts: 1179
- Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:09 am
- Location: Mississippi/Dumas
We have lots of martins here. Lot that moved on to other colonies too. Not many good housing in our area. As older landlords age and pass away, I am surprised we have as many around here as we do. Young folks around here have no interest in providing housing or doing what it takes to even halfway take care of a colony. Afraid for martin survival in future years since they are so dependent on housing provided by people.