The Blue Bird Couple
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nikkihaddox
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2018 2:05 pm
- Location: Washington Missouri
- Martin Colony History: My father has started the Martin Colony back in 2000. To this day we have had about 40 to 45 pairs of Martins. We use 5 Martin houses and a few gourds, unfortunately the Martins prefer the houses over the gourds, but we still put them up.
Our Blue Bird couple are out so I figured I would share this picture of them.
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- Blue Birds.jpg (174.38 KiB) Viewed 9252 times
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TheSmiths
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 1:02 pm
- Location: Western KY
- Martin Colony History: •
•
Tried to attract PMs 2004; began more earnest attempt in 2014.
Current home site consisting of 2 modified Trio M12Ks, 4 ChirpyNests, and assorted artificial gourds, all enclosed in owl/hawk cages.
2018 — 3 pairs
2019 — 6 pairs
2020 — 12 pairs; barred owls late in season
2021 — 17 pairs; enclosed housing
2022 – 14 pairs
2023 – 18 pairs
2024 – 18 pairs
2025 – 24 pairs
2026 –
Manage FILs colony & public park colony. Attempting to start a colony at a wildlife refuge.
~20 years of providing housing for cavity nesting birds including Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Northern Flickers, & Prothonotary Warblers.
Nice photo of them together. Does your pair stay year round like ours?
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nikkihaddox
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2018 2:05 pm
- Location: Washington Missouri
- Martin Colony History: My father has started the Martin Colony back in 2000. To this day we have had about 40 to 45 pairs of Martins. We use 5 Martin houses and a few gourds, unfortunately the Martins prefer the houses over the gourds, but we still put them up.
Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes, they stay all year round.
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marcus
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Tue May 10, 2016 10:21 pm
- Location: Fairland OK
- Martin Colony History: Mom n Dad had a plastic 12 unit martin house with some martins as long as I can remember. In 2013 they had 1 pair. I don't think they fledged any. I then started learning how to take care of martins and in 2014 we took that house down and put up a Troyer 18 gourd rack. We had 7 pair with 28 fledged.That summer I built a T-14 (I was only 12). I was also given 4 natural gourds that I hung beneath the T-14. In 2015, we had 23 pair although only 22 pair fledged young. They fledged 88 young. In 2016, we had 36 pair, 210 eggs, 163 hatched, 149 fledge!! One pair fledged 2 broods. In 2017, I had 36 pair with 35 fledging young. They laid 204 eggs, hatched 155, and fledged 152.
Yesterday I found my first bluebird eggs of the year! There were two in the nest. The one was pure white and the other one has just a hint of a blue hue to it.
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TheSmiths
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 1:02 pm
- Location: Western KY
- Martin Colony History: •
•
Tried to attract PMs 2004; began more earnest attempt in 2014.
Current home site consisting of 2 modified Trio M12Ks, 4 ChirpyNests, and assorted artificial gourds, all enclosed in owl/hawk cages.
2018 — 3 pairs
2019 — 6 pairs
2020 — 12 pairs; barred owls late in season
2021 — 17 pairs; enclosed housing
2022 – 14 pairs
2023 – 18 pairs
2024 – 18 pairs
2025 – 24 pairs
2026 –
Manage FILs colony & public park colony. Attempting to start a colony at a wildlife refuge.
~20 years of providing housing for cavity nesting birds including Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Northern Flickers, & Prothonotary Warblers.
Congrats. This time last year we had a pair of Bluebirds, Chickadees, & Mockingbirds nesting but it was warmer last year. Our resident Mockers started building their nest late last week in a tree beside our neighbors front door. Should be fun for them since this particular pair of Mockers is quite aggressive.
Do your Bluebirds take suet, suet nuggets, or dried mealworms? In the 14 yrs we've lived here ours haven't. Even when there is snow on the ground for several days.
Do your Bluebirds take suet, suet nuggets, or dried mealworms? In the 14 yrs we've lived here ours haven't. Even when there is snow on the ground for several days.
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marcus
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Tue May 10, 2016 10:21 pm
- Location: Fairland OK
- Martin Colony History: Mom n Dad had a plastic 12 unit martin house with some martins as long as I can remember. In 2013 they had 1 pair. I don't think they fledged any. I then started learning how to take care of martins and in 2014 we took that house down and put up a Troyer 18 gourd rack. We had 7 pair with 28 fledged.That summer I built a T-14 (I was only 12). I was also given 4 natural gourds that I hung beneath the T-14. In 2015, we had 23 pair although only 22 pair fledged young. They fledged 88 young. In 2016, we had 36 pair, 210 eggs, 163 hatched, 149 fledge!! One pair fledged 2 broods. In 2017, I had 36 pair with 35 fledging young. They laid 204 eggs, hatched 155, and fledged 152.
I feed mine live mealworms. They love them!! When it gets cold, they'll even eat on your hand!!!! I did put some live mealworms in some suit I made and I think the bluebirds picked at it some.
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Craig Dyer
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 2:24 pm
- Location: Nevada, TX
- Martin Colony History: Area is rural. Offer 28 compartments...metal housing (Lonestar Goliad) & Supergourds all w/crescent entrance holes. Purple martins are abundant here and eager for quality, well maintained, safe housing. Expect near 100% occupancy this season.
Beautiful couple! We too have a pair of resident bluebirds. When I checked the nest last week there were four eggs. This morning there are three eggs & a hatchling! For the last several years the bluebirds have raised three separate broods each season.
Best of luck to you this year.
Best of luck to you this year.
Craig Dyer
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TheSmiths
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 1:02 pm
- Location: Western KY
- Martin Colony History: •
•
Tried to attract PMs 2004; began more earnest attempt in 2014.
Current home site consisting of 2 modified Trio M12Ks, 4 ChirpyNests, and assorted artificial gourds, all enclosed in owl/hawk cages.
2018 — 3 pairs
2019 — 6 pairs
2020 — 12 pairs; barred owls late in season
2021 — 17 pairs; enclosed housing
2022 – 14 pairs
2023 – 18 pairs
2024 – 18 pairs
2025 – 24 pairs
2026 –
Manage FILs colony & public park colony. Attempting to start a colony at a wildlife refuge.
~20 years of providing housing for cavity nesting birds including Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Northern Flickers, & Prothonotary Warblers.
Ours likely have eggs but it has been too cold and rainy to check their box.
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TheSmiths
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 1:02 pm
- Location: Western KY
- Martin Colony History: •
•
Tried to attract PMs 2004; began more earnest attempt in 2014.
Current home site consisting of 2 modified Trio M12Ks, 4 ChirpyNests, and assorted artificial gourds, all enclosed in owl/hawk cages.
2018 — 3 pairs
2019 — 6 pairs
2020 — 12 pairs; barred owls late in season
2021 — 17 pairs; enclosed housing
2022 – 14 pairs
2023 – 18 pairs
2024 – 18 pairs
2025 – 24 pairs
2026 –
Manage FILs colony & public park colony. Attempting to start a colony at a wildlife refuge.
~20 years of providing housing for cavity nesting birds including Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Northern Flickers, & Prothonotary Warblers.
We finally had a one day break in the rain so we were able to check boxes. The bluebirds don't have eggs yet but the nest they built is flush with the entrance. I guess she wanted a window seat while she incubates the eggs.
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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
Took this pic last summer, was brood #2 out of 3 for the bluebird pair. Nest building is underway in their 2-hole mansion. Fun to watch while waiting for PM's.
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- DSC01079.jpg (94.81 KiB) Viewed 9070 times
Michelle in Topeka
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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
My BB's are sitting on 5 eggs now which are due to hatch possibly tomorrow. Here is a pic of her 1st of 5 eggs. Check out her interior coordinated design choice. 
Orlando, FL Landlord since 2004
Offer 42 Cavities Total
Offer 42 Cavities Total
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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
Such beautiful birds! Love the coordinating colors in the nest, very stylish!
Michelle in Topeka
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marcus
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Tue May 10, 2016 10:21 pm
- Location: Fairland OK
- Martin Colony History: Mom n Dad had a plastic 12 unit martin house with some martins as long as I can remember. In 2013 they had 1 pair. I don't think they fledged any. I then started learning how to take care of martins and in 2014 we took that house down and put up a Troyer 18 gourd rack. We had 7 pair with 28 fledged.That summer I built a T-14 (I was only 12). I was also given 4 natural gourds that I hung beneath the T-14. In 2015, we had 23 pair although only 22 pair fledged young. They fledged 88 young. In 2016, we had 36 pair, 210 eggs, 163 hatched, 149 fledge!! One pair fledged 2 broods. In 2017, I had 36 pair with 35 fledging young. They laid 204 eggs, hatched 155, and fledged 152.
My first nest is different in two ways! They are white eggs and there are 6 eggs! I have had both before but it's not very common.
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nikkihaddox
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2018 2:05 pm
- Location: Washington Missouri
- Martin Colony History: My father has started the Martin Colony back in 2000. To this day we have had about 40 to 45 pairs of Martins. We use 5 Martin houses and a few gourds, unfortunately the Martins prefer the houses over the gourds, but we still put them up.
That's amazing picture's! Thanks so much for sharing. My dad said our Blue Birds are just now building their nest. Hope for some babies
soon
soon
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TheSmiths
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 1:02 pm
- Location: Western KY
- Martin Colony History: •
•
Tried to attract PMs 2004; began more earnest attempt in 2014.
Current home site consisting of 2 modified Trio M12Ks, 4 ChirpyNests, and assorted artificial gourds, all enclosed in owl/hawk cages.
2018 — 3 pairs
2019 — 6 pairs
2020 — 12 pairs; barred owls late in season
2021 — 17 pairs; enclosed housing
2022 – 14 pairs
2023 – 18 pairs
2024 – 18 pairs
2025 – 24 pairs
2026 –
Manage FILs colony & public park colony. Attempting to start a colony at a wildlife refuge.
~20 years of providing housing for cavity nesting birds including Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Northern Flickers, & Prothonotary Warblers.
I hope your bluebirds are doing well. Though I was hoping they'd hold off until the weather stabilizes we discovered 5 bluebird eggs today.
Another box held a Carolina Chickadee nest (possibly containing eggs hidden beneath a layer of fluff). We also discovered, much to our chagrin, that starlings climbed the hardware cloth guard on our Flicker box and laid two eggs. Time to evict them... again. I guess we're going to have to close that box for a while.
Another box held a Carolina Chickadee nest (possibly containing eggs hidden beneath a layer of fluff). We also discovered, much to our chagrin, that starlings climbed the hardware cloth guard on our Flicker box and laid two eggs. Time to evict them... again. I guess we're going to have to close that box for a while.
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- blubrd-040418.jpg (146.11 KiB) Viewed 8903 times
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- starlingflickbox040418.jpg (110.24 KiB) Viewed 8903 times
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TheSmiths
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 1:02 pm
- Location: Western KY
- Martin Colony History: •
•
Tried to attract PMs 2004; began more earnest attempt in 2014.
Current home site consisting of 2 modified Trio M12Ks, 4 ChirpyNests, and assorted artificial gourds, all enclosed in owl/hawk cages.
2018 — 3 pairs
2019 — 6 pairs
2020 — 12 pairs; barred owls late in season
2021 — 17 pairs; enclosed housing
2022 – 14 pairs
2023 – 18 pairs
2024 – 18 pairs
2025 – 24 pairs
2026 –
Manage FILs colony & public park colony. Attempting to start a colony at a wildlife refuge.
~20 years of providing housing for cavity nesting birds including Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Northern Flickers, & Prothonotary Warblers.
Any bluebird updates?
Our weather has been so bad that, at one point, I didn't think the female was going to make it, let alone the eggs. Lo and behold, we found five little ones yesterday.
Our weather has been so bad that, at one point, I didn't think the female was going to make it, let alone the eggs. Lo and behold, we found five little ones yesterday.
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- blubrd-041718.jpg (144.7 KiB) Viewed 8584 times