2nd ASY Male today in Indiana

[JJ Jones]

I just can't believe it. Do they know something that we don't? Another ASY Male just came in a few minutes ago. He is one happy camper. Of course, I'm sure the other one is saying; what took you so long? It's suppose to warm up in the 50"s & 60's this week. That of course is great for them. Come on spring !

[Seth]

Congratulations on the arrival of your second martin! Yes, I do believe birds (including martins) sometimes know more about the weather than we do.
Have you seen any Tree Swallows yet?

[JJ Jones]

Seth,

You are right ! The birds really know what's going on. Anyway, to answer your question about the Tree Swallows, I saw a few about (2) days ago; then they have disappeared. The weather as you know is fluctuating so much that the swallows probably can't determine what to do next. I would almost say that in the next few days we will see a big push of martins & tree swallows coming up into our area and also heading northward. Hope you have a super season.

[chickadee]

wow that's great. I look at the map and cant believe Indiana getting all these martins early and I have nothing. but it is cold again today so maybe its a good thing. I usually get tree swallows back sooner then martins.and none of them yet. been such a long winter I am just in a rush to get started with my birds.

[JJ Jones]

Hey Chickadee,

Hang in there ! I really believe that within the next week, everything is going to change in a hurry with both the Tree Swallows & Purple Martins. I bet they are just as anxious to get to your residence.

[Seth]

Seth,

You are right ! The birds really know what's going on. Anyway, to answer your question about the Tree Swallows, I saw a few about (2) days ago; then they have disappeared. The weather as you know is fluctuating so much that the swallows probably can't determine what to do next. I would almost say that in the next few days we will see a big push of martins & tree swallows coming up into our area and also heading northward. Hope you have a super season.

JJ,
Thanks! Wishing you the same. While waiting for martins to take up residence in our gourds, I thoroughly enjoy hosting the Tree Swallows (away from the gourd rack of course). We have 12 gourds up for them (the Tree Swallows) on our farm in hopes of using the swallows as a biological fly control for our cattle. So far, I think it may be working somewhat, particularly on the Horse Flies.

[White River Valley Martin]

I have 5 in already, which is way early, the 4th ASY male arrived yesterday and I sure cant see that, it was cold and breezy here yesterday and about 35 degrees

Chris

[Seth]

I have 5 in already, which is way early, the 4th ASY male arrived yesterday and I sure cant see that, it was cold and breezy here yesterday and about 35 degrees

Chris

No, Indiana weather has not yet been fit for aerial insectivores. Hopefully that will change soon.

[chickadee]

barn swallows are great for fly's!

[Seth]

barn swallows are great for fly's!

For some unclear reason last year, we didn't have any Barn Swallows nest at our farm. Hopefully they'll return this year. Have you ever used "corncob ledges" for Barn Swallows to nest on?

[chickadee]

no they made nest on are lights in the garage. my husband says they are not allowed back in this year.

[JJ Jones]

Seth,

Can you explain to me about how to make these corncob platforms? I've never heard of that before. I really like the Barn Swallows. I have seen them around here; but no nesters to date. Thanks !

[DornCounty]

I took an 8" dia wooden bowl and cut it in half... attached it to a wood board and put it under by eves.. hoping to get some barnies this year... they checked it out last year, but I put it up late.

[chickadee]

I guess you just put a screw threw it where you want to put it.