the martins have kicked things into high gear after last weeks check. 

On May 20, my Home colony increased from 12 active nests ( nest with at least one egg laid) and 19 eggs, to 50 active nests and 178 eggs laid.   

first eggs should hatch around June 4.  

The colony at Virginia Highlands Community College has two poles, a cedar T-14 house and a 26 cavity ChirpyNest system. 

The nest check today May 21 had counts as follows;  

the T-14 has 4 active nests with 20 eggs. Up from 2 active and 3 eggs last week. For the second week in a row I had to remove a starling nest with eggs. This pair is breaching the crescent starling resistant entry holes. Usually by end of May these pests will give it up after removing nests repeatedly. 

The ChirpyNest setup increased from 5 active nests and 8 eggs last week to 17 active nests and 67 eggs laid.  

    Next check should reveal exactly where the season is compared to last year but so far it looks as if it will be a fantastic year as far as number of pairs at both sites.  The second phase of the season, raising and fledging young will tell the tale of success for the season.  

 #17 at VHCC with one egg

clutch of 6 eggs in a ChirpyNest cavity at VHCC. Fresh leaves are brought in each day during incubation. 

Clutch of four eggs in cavity #4 of the ChirpyNest Four-compartment House.