Sure wish I had them up here at my place. Mama's warm tummy would feel pretty good to them at night. It's still comfortable here, almost cool.

Dave

sure wish we could come up with a way of redistributing these birds that don't know where there are available vacancies.

Eating at a rooftop restaurant in San Juan PR and there are Purple Martin’s soaring and gurgling overhead.
Dave

Great news Tim, l’m happy for you. Unfortunately it has been uneventful around here. I have seen next to nothing this year so far. This is year 8 for me.
Dave

Finally observed some Martin activity overhead between 7 and 8pm on the 8th of May in Pleasant Hill. If they heard the vocals they ignored them.

Well it looks like they (SY) finally showed up in West Des Moines and Slater, Iowa. Now I'm really gonna go nuts with uncontrollable anticipation. Aint spring migration in the Midwest marvelous.

Sounds like a good plan to me. I wonder what the experts would think? It makes good sense to me as a way to help nature out in keeping your colony viable and healthy. Kind of like how hunting helps keep some species thinned out.

Lynn, Another way to look at, it’s also our job as conservationists to spread their territory and density elsewhere. So, when the asy birds drive off the sy birds the youngsters will have more of a chance to make their way to we folks still trying to do our part. So, for our sake please don’t hog AL...

Just one of those unpleasantries we have to deal with. Living in the city like I do, I discreetly take them to the garden shed where I quickly and forcefully wrap their noggin on whatever is available. One of the wall studs of the shed or the lawnmower handle work well. A broken neck or fractured sk...

I see there’s a sy report half way across Iowa today. Maybe they’re finally starting to move again. I’m home this week maybe I’ll get lucky.

Attention landlords: Please take a few moments and report your subadults, for those of us sitting on pins and needles STILL hoping to start a colony. Haven't seen a darn thing, and once again I'm beginning to wonder what the hay! Believe me, the only thing I haven't done is place a vacancy add on he...

Let us know how their young turn out.

Tim,
I’ve been on pins and needles for the past two weeks since they entered the state. Have a great year.
Dave

You don't suppose the Martin's prefer being here in North America where "we" do all we can to care for them, and they only go to South America to keep from starving and freezing to death. Between the driving force to breed and our companionship, I think they can't wait to be back in the good old US ...

That one is difficult, looking at the tail chevrons and the blotchy breast I would almost vote SY male. Have you heard it's call yet?

Looks like their off and running, to put it in horse racing terms. I just noticed there are 2 scout reports for Iowa, and 1 is almost clear to I-80. I guess I'll do my best to get my site put together and erected tomorrow. I just new this is what would happen. Our weather is so strange anymore. Yest...

I see there are scout reports in Missouri and Indiana. They must be chomping at the bit to move north. Here in the Des Moines area this am we were less than 10 deg. and with a min of 4" snow pack. I don't plan on setting up my site for another 1-2 weeks, but I received an order of hand warmers and m...

I just ordered some hand warmers. I don’t want to get caught without any like last year. I had a group stop at my place during an April snow storm last year. I checked several stores in they area and they were all out for the season. The PM’s road it out alright by packing into a few compartments, b...

Dave /John,
Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it from both of you guys. I know you both have experience in the situation. I am confident the park manager and I will agree on something.

thanks again,

Dave

Gang, I am in the process of selling the idea of erecting a site at a public park. I know there are several of you that have taken on this venture, and I am very interested in knowing any of the suggestions you have from the experience you have gained in doing this. I need all the help you can give ...