I have 2 dedicated sy parents about half way to fledging their 5 young, and all appears well. There are 4 other martins that have been hanging around. I have a 6 compartment coates. One is a totally dark male. I am guessing that they have reared their young already, and are just hanging out. Could they be staking a claim for next year?
My sy pair arrived June 1st. I had the house up May 15th. How should I work it next year to insure the house is ready for their arival?
Thanks
Are they claiming housing for next year?
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Dale Davis
The other PMs you are seeing around your house are probably fledglings from a nearby site.
The one you say is all dark is a ASY male. Yes the fledglings could be looking for a site for next year but, the ASY male will probably return to his own area next year.
When to put up your housing next year? Most PMs will return to their home within a week to 2 weeks either way of the year before. So IMO would say have it ready around May 1st. You wouldn't have to raise your housing until you see your first scout in the area but, I would have it on the pole and ready to go up.
The one you say is all dark is a ASY male. Yes the fledglings could be looking for a site for next year but, the ASY male will probably return to his own area next year.
When to put up your housing next year? Most PMs will return to their home within a week to 2 weeks either way of the year before. So IMO would say have it ready around May 1st. You wouldn't have to raise your housing until you see your first scout in the area but, I would have it on the pole and ready to go up.