Well, I'm back to being a landlord again, this nest is at a satellite colony i started last year but the tree swallows got in one of the gourds and ran off most visitors. I waited a little longer to put up the housing this year and didn't add gourds until June. The pair is an asy male, not sure on the female.
The eggs should hatch around the 8th of July. You can see they even brought in the tag end of a zip tie that i was using to hold extra perches on with and must have dropped on the ground after i cut it off.
Just wanted to add too for anyone on the fence about offering sreh, there is no way these birds could have nested here without them. I was concerned watching then try to get in at first, but they did and i think they feel safer knowing starlingscan't get in their nest. I watched the male Martin sit and watch as a starling went all around trying each hole. He was relaxed as could be, just preening, and probably laughing at the starling
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2013, back in the game with a pair at my satelite colony that has eggs due to hatch around July 7th
Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
Martin Colony History: Start 2009 with one pair. Upgraded from S&K houses to two Trendsetter 12's with gourds beneath in 2013. I have experienced job, pet, and parental losses since '13. The Purple Martins lift my spirits and remind me how life continues forward by flying their little selves from Brazil back to my yard. As one forum person once told me, chin up DebA, look at the martins. Danger all around but yet they soar in the sky without a care in the world.
I find it quite interesting to see what nesting materials our PMs use from location to location, like whatever source is readily available. Interesting tho, that they would choose a plastic zip tie. Resourceful!
SREH- I am thankful every day for this wonderful invention by some dedicated purple martin lovers! I would have easily been beaten and failed from frustration if I'd had the round holes and twice as many pests to fight this year with a new house and all.
I'm nuts over my one little nest. It is "the precious" to me as the ring was to Gollum in "Lord of the Rings"! You only have one nest too, so probably are all about protecting the precious as well!
~Mary B~
Lifelong PM Admirer and Nature Enthusiast.
Ruthless trapper of S&S year round.
2013-2016 Unsuccessful at starting a PM colony. Health problems.
Rehomed all my PM stuff. Good Luck and Best Wishes to All.
