Purple Martin Forum

We are making an unanticipated partial move to downtown Philadelphia and I would like to offer my new gourd rack, gourds and predator guard to a potential landlord or a landlord considering an upgrade or expansion at a reduced price. I live in Silver Spring, MD. I am not able to ship the items. Anyo...

I had 3 nesting pair this year after reestablishing critter control and replacing substandard gourds. Eleven fledged (one broken egg early on). I’m ready for the early Spring influx of sparrows! Becky

My heart goes out to all those who lost eggs, babies and adults this year. Thankfully, this year I had 3 pair with a total of 11 eggs and they all hatched. All the babies fledged as well. Reading stories of loss and tragedy help me prepare for the future because I know (unfortunately) that I will mo...

A HUGE thank you for the two PMCA staff members who came out on their Sunday afternoon to clean the camera lens on the nestcam. You all are terrific and so appreciated! Though we saw only an empty gourd after the lens was cleared it's great to know that all 6 nestlings fledged successfully. You all ...

Thanks, Mark (and thanks once again, Louise). I'll fabricate more of these for next year.

They have downgraded the temps here since this morning! I hung ice packs on the outside of the gourds with babies. I'm not sure how Maryland Martins would deal with the heat y'all consistently have. I know it bothers me.

I forgot to add (too intent on finding those socks!) that the gourds face east and won't get much direct sunlight. I do have some old sign board rigged up that I will add over the gourds when I put in the ice packs. Thanks again.

Thanks, Louise. The gourds are vented. I'll go dig up some loose socks for the ice packs.

I have two nests left to fledge babies, 22 days and 20 days old today. Heat indexes over 100 degrees here today. Can I blow a fan on the gourds from below? I plan to put ice packs in the adjoining gourds that are empty. Thanks for your help.

When you have permanent binoculars indentations around your eyes from trying to watch all the fledgling activity

I really enjoyed the new video on banding! You pointed out the youngest baby. How can you tell? I'm sure there's a way but they all look the same to me!

Congratulations, Sharon. I'm glad that my first year posting on the forum is when you got your martins. I will always remember this as your year!

Not to get too far off topic but would it be a good idea to block unused entrances at fledge time Or do they like to spread out?

Maybe I just need a whole bag of beans up there Sharon. They can eat while they wait for their unfortunate fate.

This is super! It might also be a way to block HOSP in a nest after dark. I tried the pool noodle idea (Chuck Abare) but the gourds swung too much when I tried to block the entrance. Thankfully, I don't need the idea for that use but piling a few at the front is worth a try if the trap doesn't work....

Congratulations Cabinman! You have officially joined the "fret" club but it's worth it!

I have to agree, Ed. I think my first instinct to keep them away was a good choice. The last thing I need is a growing colony next year with more nest competitors.

I guess it's tricky trying to decide what to do but if they drive away the male HOSP looking for a mate that would be a treat! We will see if they show up tomorrow!

My little colony of 3 pair are all brooding their young, 11 hatchlings altogether. Today a house finch pair started showing interest in one of the gourds (I may have deterred them with my sling shot :roll:). Then I read some previous posts that stated they are not a problem for the martins and appea...

Thank you, Don. I'll do that. Sorry for your lost fledgling.