It only took 7 years!

[Gary W]

Congratulations, Tony,

Your persistence paid off! I would not be surprised if you get more than one pair this year!

Best of Success!

Gary

[Gobbler T]

Thanks guy's,
It has been a long ride! Not nearly as long as Doug's but still a long ride. You do fine out just how many people care when you get there. The responce has been overwhelming, and I do appreciate it so much. You all will never know.There are others here who have been trying just as long or longer, and I do wish them success as well. One pair is a start and I am so greatful to have them, but now the worrying starts. You all know what I'm talking about! Will they be successful? Will I get another pair or two this year? How old are these birds, will they live to make it back next year? If not I'm starting over again. What is it that they say? A min. of 6 pair to insure returns next year. Now I get to think about these things instead of when will I get my first pair! OH the nerves of this hobby! What was I thinking? (wouldn't trade it for the world)

My excitement will start all over again as soon as I see my first egg. You know, I've never seen a martin egg before, only pictures here. I could post all morning but I have to go to work now.

[daveh]

Good job Tony. Let's get that Trio Castle up and fill it also. Good luck.

dave

[John A Green Jr]

Congrats Tony, you deserve it. You have paid your dues. I hope you have as much success as I did. I know what you mean about that first year. All the worrying, it's up to you now. I was in pure bliss when my one pair returned the next year. Ended up with ten pair my second year and I couldn't believe it. You can do that too! Believe.Congrats again.

[Archer]

Congrats Tony, I was in your shoes last year, and I understand about the worrying. There were a few nights when I didn't see them come in for the night and it was hard to get any sleep. But the next morning they were out there sitting on the house again, what a relief and a joy. One particular evening it was getting dark when I saw the male fly off to the north, a few minutes later I saw a hawk like bird flying south holding a bird in its claws. Uh oh, there goes my martin. I thought it was all over, but the next morning, everything was fine. Both male and female were on the house again. Try not to worry too much, and enjoy them every chance you get.

[Caroline94535-ND]

Tell me that you were playing George Strait. That will bring the girls in every time!!!

Congratulations on your birds.

[Sue P]

SOOOO happy for you Gobbler T. It took me 15 years, but I know the thrill of that first pair. And the worry! And how much you want to protect them. And the chance that they might not make it back next year! It is really engrossing. Best of luck to you. I couldn't be happier for you. Sue P

[DebA]

I had a similar thought, Tony. I wondered if you had ever seen a baby with your own eyes. This is gonna be so fun for all of us to be able to experience it with you through this forum!
Deb

[Nikkidodi - SATX]

ME TOO!! Congrats Tony. I also, in my fifth year, have finally taken in 2 pair of SY for tenants. They arrived 3 weeks ago, but finally nested this past week. I have had visitors every year, but now I have nesters. I think the fact that I trimmed nearby trees waaaay back may have been the key.

Last weekend I installed a predator guard because I saw 2 rat snakes in my yard last year, and ordered pine straw in preparation of nest changes in a few weeks. I was unable to find pine straw anywhere in San Antonio so searched online. If anyone else needs pine straw here is a good source. $7.95 for an 8" x 8" x 8" box of compressed East Texas pine straw delivered to your door.
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http://www.pinestrawdirect.com/bird-nes ... straw.html

Now if only I could get rid of a pesky sparrow. I have torn out his nest every day for 2 weeks now

PS: This if very exciting. My African Grey makes the rounds with me and he has picked up the Purple Martin "song". I get to listen to the Purple Martin chatter nearly 24/7 now!!

[Don Troha]

Congrats Tony on scoring a pair. Hope this is the start of something big!

[Gobbler T]

Thanks again to all who have posted. This has been an awsome experience. To answer the questions, I really couldn't tell you who was singing when the martin arrived. I don't even remember hearing the music!
No Deb I've never seen a baby either. I'm in for a lot of treets.

[Gobbler T]

delete

[MM]

I would like to add my congratulations! It is well worth it. fun times ahead.

[Guest]

Very good tony,thats great news.Now is where you will start to notice that nothing is getting done around the house because all you will want to do is sit around and smile while you enjoy the martins. Welcome to the world of a martin landlord.

[Tim Mangan-Kansas]

Tony:

Congrats on your pair. Hope you pick up a few more.

Tim

[jojo92]

Congratz on your first pair .

[april57]

Hello from Northern Canada and congrats its like having a baby!. OK never had one but I can imagine.
I am a die hard martin lover. I played the dawn song for 2 years 24/7 all summer. When we got our first pair I almost slept by the house. There was a may snow storm and we had 1 martin. I had the step ladder out in the snow, lowered the house cleaned the decks and put our warmed crickets. He survived. Last year we had 49 count them...49 babies. I took surveys every week and lowered the house , held them cleaned the nests as we have blow flies and put them back all cuddled and safe. After they all fledged in late August I looked and everyone made it. One family lasted till the first week of September and slept in the condo every night, 5 of them.
Raising the condo tomorrow as it is actually plus 18 here. Just in case on scout is looking around. Last year our first martin arrived May 01
It is such a wonderful hobby and I just sit on our bench and watch them fly and fly looking for bugs.
You do know they come from the Gulf of Mexico and fly all the way here. Amazing birds !!!

[Gobbler T]

Thanks again for all of your congratulations. The feeling of accomplishment is indescribable. Of course most of you here know that! I'm concidering not planting a garden this year. I don't know if I will have the time, and I don't want to cut my toe off trying to hoe and look up at the same time.

How do ya'll ever get anything done?

[Jeff Robinson]

I got a birthday present Tony - YOU becoming a landlord!!! Big 52 today, and my Spring cheer seems to revolve around keeping my colony safe and happy - some might say BORING huh.

I haven't been on the forum for a while as I've been real busy with life in general and taking care of 100+ martins in residence with more subbies coming in every day. So this morning while skimming thru all the posts, I found myself looking for any news from you. OUTstanding news Tony - finding your success brightened my day - CONGRATS man! Your labor of love now begins!

Jeff

[DebA]

Tony,
Garden and martins go together! My garden is on the backside of my house from their houses. When I work out there they always find me and soar overhead. They keep me company and chatter while soaring. True you might chop out a green bean plant now and again but oh so worth it!
Deb