Name:	alahusker -	Reply
Subject:	purple martins??
Date:	4/26/2017 8:52:17 PM

I posed the q earlier, where are the purple martins??  Had terrific colonies since I finished the house on the lake 14 years ago.  Last 3 years, they stop by and never colonize.   Checked with the Auburn ornitholosist guru..  severe decline in the martin population in the area.  miss the little devils..  will keep the houses maintained and hope they return..  tb 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	purple martins??
Date:	4/26/2017 9:00:56 PM

Our colony returned to our gourds.  Looks like they have built nests and I see them going in and out.  One of my neighbors put in a fancy commerical house, and I believe I've seen some over there too.  What I have noticed is the big decrease in hummingbirds.  Some years our porch was so heavy with them, we risked getting hit just being out there.  Now I am only seeing a few males. 

Name:	alahusker -	Reply
Subject:	purple martins??
Date:	4/27/2017 8:21:57 PM

Apparently you are lucky with the Martins, hope there is a come back.  We have had lots of hummers, just getting ready to put the feeders out..

Name:	DirtDiva -	Reply
Subject:	purple martins??
Date:	4/28/2017 10:23:48 PM

We put up a house 3 years ago.  The Martins scouted that year, but did not stay.  Last year we had at least 3 pairs stay and have families.  This year they all came back and are already feeding new babies.

I have seen one humming bird so far.  Put out feeder couple weeks ago, but have not seen any at it.

Dirt

Name:	Zman -	Reply
Subject:	purple martins??
Date:	5/2/2017 11:01:03 PM

The martins we usually enjoy did not come until this past week.  However, some bluebirds have taken residence in the martin home and the ensuing infighting has been facinating to observe.

I went out and purchased then installed several bluebird homes in hopes of getting our full martin population back and the bluebirds more comfortable and suitable accommodations.

I believe everyone is living in peaceful coalition at the moment, focused on their raising the youngsters.

As it should be.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	purple martins??
Date:	5/3/2017 12:47:08 PM

some years, we've had bluebirds in our gourds, but it seems like they left before the Martins arrived.  Glad you came up with a brilliant  solution to maintain the peace.