So.......what has happened here?

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sugarcreek
Posts: 252
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:43 am
Location: Sugarcreek, Ohio
Martin Colony History: 2016 First Yr.

I'm pretty well a newbie so I try to follow my mothers instructions when I was young , she always told me too listen and learn rather than speak out of turn, :) :) :grin: ...love reading this board and do so pretty well every day if all the people would post that post there scout reports this would be a lively board....I do enjoy reading and learning from all on here....as well as rooting like crazy for all those wannabes because I was one as well.
16 - 14 Cavities 4 Act. Ne 9 fledged, 2.25 Fl. per Act. Ne
17 - 36 Cavities 18 Act. Ne 65 Fledged, 3.61 Fl. per Act. Ne
18 - 54 Cavities 43 Act. Ne 169 Fledged, 3.93 Fl. per Act. Ne
19 - 108 Cavities 67 Act. Ne 209 Fledged, 3.12 Fl. per Act. Ne
20 - 108 Cavities 72 Act. Ne 243 Fledged, 3.38 Fl. per Act. Ne
21 - 112 Cavities 91 Act. Ne 313 Fledged, 3.44 Fl. per Act. Ne
22 - 114 Cavities 101 Act Ne 355 Fledged, 3.51 Fl. per Act. Ne
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Thanks Sugarcreek! Makes perfect sense....I am just accustomed to a bunch of yakkers, I guess. :lol:
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Kuemic
Posts: 176
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2016 7:17 pm
Location: Topeka, KS
Martin Colony History: 2015 1 pair, 2 eggs destroyed by HOSP
2016 1 pair, 2 fledged, HOSP 46
2017 1 pair, 5 fledged, HOSP 14
2018 daily visitors, HOSP 12
2019 1 pair, 2 fledged, HOSP 14
2020 1pair, 5 fledged, HOSP 17
2021 2 pair, 7 fledged, HOSP 21
2022 3 pair, 12 fledged, HOSP 18
2023 8 pair, 35 fledged, HOSP 16
2024 13 pair, 55 fledged, HOSP 11

LOL, so I guess all of us are coming out of the PM closet. I, too, am a newbie, hoping every year to grow my colony. I have learned so much from this forum. I read it everyday, during the PM season and during the off-season. I also lurk on the FACEBOOK site, though I don't post anything. Please don't be discouraged, this is still the best place to learn about martins. When folks have time, they will answer your questions! I'm so thankful for the landlord knowledge on this forum.

Watching and waiting again! Best of luck to all PM landlords!
Michelle in Topeka
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Thanks Michelle! :)
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handyman315
Posts: 300
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 11:03 am
Location: SW Ohio
Martin Colony History: Colony established May 20, 2017 after three unsuccessful years. Persistent and aggressive Tree Swallows plagued the site, but beyond learning - and practicing - to control them, was the return in 2017 of a 2016-SY-M previously unable to find a mate. As a handsome ASY-M, he brought along two females and a swagger that soon put the Tree Swallow issue to rest. As the anchor pair, he and his mate hatched all six of their eggs into fat and healthy babies into what settled in to be a three-pair, flourishing new colony with up to 11 birds total, including 3 SY-M trouble makers.

Lizzie,

We're still out here, a newbie myself but an enthusiastic Martin supporter and new landlord.

I saw your question about site fidelity, and was interested in the answer. Pros like Ed handle the tough stuff, not much that a newbie could add.

Having been successful after three failed seasons, I do jump in when wanna be landlords have questions, because those kind of tips put me on the right track. Sometimes it's the "little" things, especially from newer landlords, that might tip the scales.

And as mentioned, many of us are nervous - and busy - with this continuing cold weather this spring.

I also look at and post on the PM Facebook, mostly because of the picture quality and the ease of posting pictures there.

Best of luck this year and welcome back.
2023-42 Nests, 197 Eggs/Babies
2022-48 Nests Fledged 203
2021-43 Nests Fledged 185
2020-31 Nests Fledged 133, three early deaths due to cold & rain
2019-19 Nests Fledged 84
2018-11 Nests Fledged 48, ASY-M Arrived April 6, Despite Snow & Cold, Joined Soon by Mate & Two Adult Pairs
2017-3 Nests Fledged 13, FIRST-YEAR LANDLORD! Resident SY-M from 2016 Returned (as ASY-M) on May 20. At Least 11 Adult Residents
2016 Late-Arriving SYs, Resident Lone SY-M
2015-14 Many Visits
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Thanks Handyman- great points~ :)
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Dave Duit
Posts: 2145
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
Location: Iowa / Nevada
Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to daveduit@yahoo.com. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.

Hi Lizzie,
Good to see you again. I visit the forum on a daily basis and like to add comments once in a while. Core members are the backbone of a forum. I'm sure many visit and look and learn, but the numbers don't respond as often as we would like to see.
ImageMite control, heat venting, predator protection and additional feeding during bad weather add up to success.
ImageIPMO LOGO1.jpg
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Thanks Dave!
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jhcox
Posts: 801
Joined: Thu May 26, 2016 9:23 am
Location: tennesse
Martin Colony History: Started colony in 2014. 0 pairs
2015 0 pairs
2016 0 pairs
2017 0 pairs but visitors
2018 1 pair fledged 5
2019 10 pair
2020 25 pair
2021 42 Pair
2022 60 Pair
2023 72 Pair
2024 74 pair
2025 78 pair

Hi all!!! I myself dont post in the way of advice being a newbie and not having an established colony. I would be afraid to give miss information. If you see me on here it’s usually alot of ??? I have been trying for several years now and the only thing that really keeps me going is reading this forum religiously each day. And hearing success stories of other want to be LLs. That get there first breeding pair. I am not sure who said it but I would really like to see people put in their post where they are from. Especially when they are talking about the fact that their PM have returned. Im from east TN end i would really like to know if someone that’s posting is from near me so I can see what’s work in my area. JHCox Heiskell TN.
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Hello JH!
What I did was go driving around my area to see what type of housing seemed to be most common.
Generally, it seems to be the cheapie houses you can buy at Tractor Supply or our local Gibson's (that's where I bought the original Heath).
I checked out the general height range, house type, tree clearance, and tried to get as close to that as I could. It was STILL difficult and took years to get my first pair.
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Doug Martin - PA
Posts: 1988
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.

Well I noticed the same thing Lizzie. So I am trying to stay somewhat active again.

The PMCA and this forum have been around for many years. They are still the backbone of Purple Martin Management. There was a period where the forum members got a little too overboard on a few topics and folks got upset at each other. It was also used as a springboard to promote products. So something had to change. It has. Also there is no tone of voice to emails or electronic correspondence and many times it is misunderstood.

The PMCA has developed it's views on certain topics and I believe there may be apprehension in speaking against that at times. But we should respect those views. A lot of research has gone into them.

Maybe those still here can respect those views while contributing their own opinions.

Me? I've been around for 38 years in this hobby and enjoy it. I still remember the early days of this forum. It is difficult for me however to stay with a topic due to time restraints so I try to post information when I can. I do not have time however to reply as often as I would like.

Doug
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Thanks Doug....it sounds like I must have missed the controversy. That's probably a good thing! :lol:
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BillieJR
Posts: 766
Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2017 11:39 am
Location: Monroe, WI

I thought I had replied earlier today but I don't see anything so I'll say hello again and welcome you back. I've new here since last year so I don't know many people well but I'm picking up tips from them all the time. I hate to talk too much - being a newbie - I don't want to overstep. I'm glad you're back. And I'm glad to see so many people responding to your question. :) Good luck with your season.
Billie from southern Wisconsin
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Dale D
Posts: 329
Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2018 10:11 am
Location: Orlando, Fl
Martin Colony History: Landlord since 2004

I have noticed many members that use to post here regular don't any longer. As far as my view on this subject I believe we have so many Facebook Purple Martin Groups out there now that people belong to several of them along with the PMCA which gives them limited time to spend on each site. With Facebook Groups many people enjoy them because they can simply hit the like button on a topic which gives them a sense of participation without having to type a word.
Orlando, FL Landlord since 2004
Offer 42 Cavities Total
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sugarcreek
Posts: 252
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:43 am
Location: Sugarcreek, Ohio
Martin Colony History: 2016 First Yr.

Dale D wrote:I have noticed many members that use to post here regular don't any longer. As far as my view on this subject I believe we have so many Facebook Purple Martin Groups out there now that people belong to several of them along with the PMCA which gives them limited time to spend on each site. With Facebook Groups many people enjoy them because they can simply hit the like button on a topic which gives them a sense of participation without having to type a word.

Will say i agree with you about facebook agenda, its so much easer, especially posting pic's , if this sight would accept pic's a little easer it would be a little more fun.
16 - 14 Cavities 4 Act. Ne 9 fledged, 2.25 Fl. per Act. Ne
17 - 36 Cavities 18 Act. Ne 65 Fledged, 3.61 Fl. per Act. Ne
18 - 54 Cavities 43 Act. Ne 169 Fledged, 3.93 Fl. per Act. Ne
19 - 108 Cavities 67 Act. Ne 209 Fledged, 3.12 Fl. per Act. Ne
20 - 108 Cavities 72 Act. Ne 243 Fledged, 3.38 Fl. per Act. Ne
21 - 112 Cavities 91 Act. Ne 313 Fledged, 3.44 Fl. per Act. Ne
22 - 114 Cavities 101 Act Ne 355 Fledged, 3.51 Fl. per Act. Ne
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flyin-lowe
Posts: 3789
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
Location: Indiana/Henry Co.

Most, not all, of the old regulars are still online, just many are on other forums or Facebook. I sometimes I feel like I'm the only person under the age of 45 who has never been on facebook. This time of year the traffic on this and other forums ramps up as everyone is getting their martins back and you will see a lot more activity. Sometime facebook will slow down and some new sight will take over, there is always swings in internet sites/social media platforms.
2026 HOSP 28
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Thanks guys!

Flyin' Low.....just now noticed in your sig line that you moved, and essentially had to "start over" with your martin colony. Wow! That may have stopped me from moving. Hah! :)
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BioJoe
Posts: 188
Joined: Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:18 pm
Location: PA/Erie

Lizzie wrote:Just out of curiosity, I went and checked the FB page....it doesn't look to me like a place you can really get information or give and get much feedback. For this purpose (among others) I like this format much better. It's sort of like a meeting place for people of like minds.
Did you check the facebook page or the facebook group? They serve very different purposes.
PMCA Pres/CEO
Erie, PA
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Lizzie
Posts: 114
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:01 pm
Location: North Central Tx

Hmmmmm. I guess I'm not certain. I went to where the link took me. Looked to me like a regular facebook page.
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handyman315
Posts: 300
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 11:03 am
Location: SW Ohio
Martin Colony History: Colony established May 20, 2017 after three unsuccessful years. Persistent and aggressive Tree Swallows plagued the site, but beyond learning - and practicing - to control them, was the return in 2017 of a 2016-SY-M previously unable to find a mate. As a handsome ASY-M, he brought along two females and a swagger that soon put the Tree Swallow issue to rest. As the anchor pair, he and his mate hatched all six of their eggs into fat and healthy babies into what settled in to be a three-pair, flourishing new colony with up to 11 birds total, including 3 SY-M trouble makers.

In Facebook Search, search for "Purple Martin Conservation Association Group", then select it under "Groups".

The PMCA also has THEIR own FB Page, "Purple Martin Conservation Association", then select it under "Pages".
2023-42 Nests, 197 Eggs/Babies
2022-48 Nests Fledged 203
2021-43 Nests Fledged 185
2020-31 Nests Fledged 133, three early deaths due to cold & rain
2019-19 Nests Fledged 84
2018-11 Nests Fledged 48, ASY-M Arrived April 6, Despite Snow & Cold, Joined Soon by Mate & Two Adult Pairs
2017-3 Nests Fledged 13, FIRST-YEAR LANDLORD! Resident SY-M from 2016 Returned (as ASY-M) on May 20. At Least 11 Adult Residents
2016 Late-Arriving SYs, Resident Lone SY-M
2015-14 Many Visits
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