About 4:00 PM yesterday, I went out and lowered my pole. I plugged up a couple of the entry holes which had the openings facing north and northwest as I did not want my martins roosting in those two gourds due to the wind and a forecasted low of 24 for last night. I also put some corks in my PVC elbows that I use in the rear of my Troyer gourds for vents. Again, did not want the wind blowing through as a constant draft during the night. I had three 18 hour handwarmers that I placed in three of my Troyers. I placed all of them under about an inch of pine needles I had in the gourds for pre-built nest. After I raised the housing back up, I saw my martins go into two of the gourds that I had placed the hand warmers. Four martins went in one gourd and two in another.
This morning at 7:45, with temps in the 20's, my martins came out. They flew around for about five minutes but I did not see them catching any insects over the water or up high. They returned to the housing and just sat on the perch's with wings really drooping. I figured it was time to supplemental feed.
I went to the freezer and pulled out 150 frozen crickets. I let them thaw out for a few minutes and added salt and pepper to taste. (
Kidding -just making sure you are all still with me)As I was walking outside to the pole with the crickets, I was hoping that at least one of the six martins I have was one of the ones that successfully supplemental fed for me last season. I just needed one to show the others what to do.
It only took about four flips and I had a female take off and grab the fifth one. The next flip, they were all after my offering.
I was glad I decided to supplemental feed as they went through about 120 of the 150 crickets. Thought it was interesting that I started feeding my six resident martins but by the time I finished, I had nine martins chasing crickets. Picked up three "freeloaders" from somewhere but was glad I was able to help them out also. If I don't see them being able to find any insects over the water later this morning, I will probably toss a few more crickets.
Was plugging some openings, putting cork in vents and adding warmers all overkill. I really don't know. I do know they were hungry this morning and it was going into the third bad day and fourth bad night. For all I know, these six adults might be all that is left of my 15 pair that I had last season. Not going to take a chance of loosing any of them due to negligence on my part.
My wife took a few pictues of me tossing the crickets. Sorry for the quality but she did the best she could. Here are a few pic's.
Tim
). It is interesting to hear that you had 3 more "breakfast guests", that shows how smart martins are. Now, do not be surprised if you have more and more martins show up for the next "chow"....word travels fast about great service and is still the best form of advertisement 
