Central/Northern Illinois Landlords

[Bob]

I live in Central Illinois and have a site that has 3 houses w/gourds at one location and 2 houses w/gourds about 1/2 mile to the north on a pond. I have had martins at both sites for 7 to 8 years. The larger location has had martins for a year longer.

I am just curious to see how other Illinois landlords arrivals are going. My first showed up April 3rd, but I did not see him on a consistently until April 11th, when another ASY male showed up. Then another ASY on April 14th. Our weather is been soooo unpredictable, nice for one day, then wet or cool for a day or two. Since the 14th, I have seen anywhere from 3 to 11 martins at my larger site, but doubt all are from my colony. My smaller (pond) site has maybe 1 male back.

It just seems to be going slower on the returns for me this year, but a friend in my same town had 15 back as of April 8th. No rhyme or reason I guess.

Bob

[rehab]

#empty

[gsimpson]

Bob,
We had an male show up and spend the morning on our gourd rack on April 7th. Thought it was one of ours from last year. When I got home from work, he was gone and I haven't seen a martin since. We had 3 pairs last year, 2 pairs the year before. I know of another colony a few miles from me that has over 70 pair every year and mine are probably spill overs from him. I'm anxious for more to show up, but at the same time, would like the weather to cooperate so we don't lose any. Still waiting patiently.