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Today's nest check revealed eggs present in 11 of the 12 gourds with a total of 61 eggs at this point:

Gourd Eggs
----- ----
1 6
2 5
3 6
4 -
5 6
6 6
7 6
8 7
9 5
10 2
11 6
12 6
----
Total 61

With temperatures reaching 41 F last night and dropping into the 30's tonight, Purple Martins arriving today are probably happy to find some gourds with nesting material already laid out. Co-landlord Lori spotted the first birds of the season here this morning around 9:40am. Three martins were observed in and around the upper gourds, perching, and flying around.

WELCOME BACK!

Martins are being reported all around this area of Florida. No official sighting here yet, but chirps were heard on Saturday during the first raising of the 12-SuperGourd colony.

Each gourd was prepared with:

• An inside bottom spray of neem, for insecticide properties.
• Nesting material: cedar chips, half an old cigar, pine needles.
• Lid threads/seal coated with Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap for insecticide properties. This has proven highly effective in the past at preventing mite buildup.

A few gourds face inward, toward the support pole. Each of the outward facing gourds has an aluminium owl guard.

Martins are welcome, but amenities still to come are:

• Long bamboo perches
• Camera with infrared support
• Plastic martin decoy(s)

Thanks to Judy W. of Ohio for being the first one to spot babies in the GourdCam Gourd #11. Looks like at least 2 young in there. Stay tuned!

Pics from nest check today, click any for larger view...