Martins return to Hawesville, KY
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John & Linda - KY
- Posts: 599
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 10:19 pm
- Location: Kentucky/Hawesville
Yesterday morning we were up early, 5:30 am, and there were two beautiful male ASY martins sitting on our gourd racks. It was chilly, and their feathers were puffed up. They were not singing. This morning one has been back and was chortling his heart out. The fun begins! -- John
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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.
Now that's a beautiful sound to hear! They should get plenty of company later this week. Not to mention warmer temperatures.
Congrats.
Doug
Congrats.
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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John & Linda - KY
- Posts: 599
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 10:19 pm
- Location: Kentucky/Hawesville
I love watching and listening to the martins during their stay in KY. My gourds are about 30 - 40 ft from our porch swing and I sit there most mornings reading the paper and watching the martins go about their business. -- John