All these years

cabin man · Wed Jun 28, 2017 8:02 pm

After all these years I finally have a pair . Did a nest check today and found 4 eggs. It's still hard for me to believe that they're here. I've had so many ups and downs over the years that I'm afraid to let my guard down. I'm really enjoying them everyday, but am a nervous wreck thinking that something will happen . I believe I've done all that I can at this point to keep them safe. Have been trapping and shooting sparrows daily. The last thing I need to do is put on the owl guards. I didn't have them in place on the gourd rack that was chosen by the martins. Do you kind folks think that I should install them now, or wait till the young hatch and are busy caring for them. I don't want to risk spooking them now. Do you think that the fact that they have eggs is enough 'draw or commitment' to keep them from getting rattled by the owl guards? Any/all opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Rob

BDR · Wed Jun 28, 2017 8:35 pm

I was in a similar position as you earlier in the season. I had two pairs with nests built but no eggs. I put up the owl guard (around noon one day) and they quickly adjusted to it. I would put it up now.

My original post:
https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/view ... =Owl+scare

cabin man · Thu Jun 29, 2017 5:02 am

Thanks. I read your original posts. I appreciate your input. They have been here almost a month now, and have eggs, so I agree. They're committed. I'll put up the owl guards this afternoon. Have them ready. Thanks again

Bcorbs1217 · Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:00 am

Congratulations Cabinman! You have officially joined the "fret" club but it's worth it!

taxidermy lady · Thu Jun 29, 2017 11:24 am

Cabinman, I want to congratulate you on your success! I have only tried for 5 years and I finally have babies 21 days old today! Also I have a sy pair trying to act like they are doing something????

I know how your feeling right now! I can't believe I have martins! Good luck

cabin man · Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:19 pm

Thanks Becky. Yes, it's a different kind of stress now. But I love it! And Sharon, I was following your success story, too. Congratulations. It was such a long haul for me, but I didn't want to give up. I had hoped someday that it would happen and it finally did. Now I hope and pray that I can keep them. Thanks again for all of The good wishes. Best of luck to everyone out there. I was always so happy to hear when people get started, and hoped that someday it would be me!

C.C.Martins · Fri Jun 30, 2017 5:16 am

Rob, congrats on your success! That's awesome, its wonderful to watch them and follow the egg development through to fledge. Oh yes, worry, worry, worry...bet you look out the window every morning to make sure they are still there. you wont spook them, just don't do it early morning or late afternoon...watch the orientation. Hole has to be facing the same way. you've read this stuff.
nice to know they will be back isn't it??? Congrats!

cabin man · Fri Jun 30, 2017 4:54 pm

Hey Tom. Thanks. I'm trying to relax and enjoy them being here but yes, I am a little stressed out. But I've done just about everything that I can, so like I said, I will try to enjoy them and protect them the best I can.

tor · Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:14 pm

Grats, Rob. You're a landlord. you've done it. Great job.

cabin man · Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:23 am

Thanks Tor. It's hard to believe! I really appreciate everyone's support. It all starts with one pair for many folks. Hope they keep doing good. They're due to hatch around the 12th. Will keep everyone posted. Thanks again

Ryan · Sat Jul 01, 2017 7:22 pm

That has to feel good. I can only imagine.

How long did you have to wait? I'm in year 7.

cabin man · Tue Jul 04, 2017 9:16 am

Hey Ryan. Yes, it feels unbelievable. I can't get enough of them. I'm sitting out here now watching them. Have been late to work every day for the last month. Thank God I'm my own boss, but I'm not getting things done like a should. LOL. It's worth it! My uncle gave me his houses in 1983. I've been trying ever since. I have had a few close calls, but none ever stayed. I just hate to give up on anything that I set my mind to, but this has been about the hardest endeavor I've ever gone into. But one of the most rewarding!

Ryan · Tue Jul 04, 2017 6:37 pm

Word for word your situation would feel like mine. It's scary how similar it is or would be. This is also the toughest thing I've tried to pull off and like you, I just can't bring myself to quit. Self employed, I've wasted lots of time driving around looking for other nearby colonies as well as checking out my always empty sites a few times a day.

If I ever get a pair I'll be late for work all summer.

Congratulations. You deserve it.