Purple Martin Forum

Unfortunately unable to log in to Scout Report area. So here I go. This is my 10-11th season. Not sure really. February 19th 2016 PM's have arrived in Anna, Tx. I generally have about 50 successful breeding pair. Should be no different this year. The past 4 years I've been living with my 90yo mother...

Thanks for the input

First time I've posted in a few years. Everything had been going well. Starlings have never been a problem. However, this year almost every starling seems to enter the T-14 units at will! I raised the porches to level. Seems to have made no difference. I will trap starlings aggressively!! I wonder i...

This news lifts a great burden from all of Steve's Friends & Fans at this site. Thanks for the update!

geezer

I have a pair of Red-Shouldered Hawks that have nested near the creek for years..about 150 yds away.

They have perched on my Martin poles a few times, but never really bothered my birds. I enjoy watching them hunt.

The only trap I use is the Natureline Gourd fitted with the Natureline Gourd Trap hanging on a Shepherds Hook. I have 4 of them scattered around the yard in the Spring. Starlings just can't resist that big round hole.

These items are available at this website.

I had a hawk attack at my location 3 days ago. Just caught a 2 second glimpse as he flew low thru the martin houses. It appeared the hawk had a Martin in it's talons. Several of the decoys had been disturbed. So I straightened all of the decoys and added a couple more, but have not seen any evidence...

Hey Dick... They just keep coming here in Anna.. Many more arrived today. Lots of fighting. Impossible to count total number. As of today..57 units open, and estimate 45-50 occupied. Not much nest building yet...expect eggs in about 5-10 days. Nothing unusual to report so far this year. Lost 1 male ...

After having several bad experiences with snakes...my conclusion is YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH NETTING! And it doesn't matter how it looks. I add more netting every year..just to be sure. Sometimes the really small snakes get thru anyway..but they are not a big problem. The PM's will let you know i...

Seems awful early to get subbies in our neck of the woods. Don't expect any in Anna before April 15.

But we'll take'em. Send them our way!

Geezer

Returning fledges from prior year (subbies) are clueless when it comes to nest building. They need all the help they can get. Make sure they have plenty of good building materials (including a nest full to begin with)

geezer

I have a short pole (next to the pond) that is used for "overflow". The bottom gourds are about 6.5' from the ground. This year there are 11 tunneled gourds hanging on that pole...and I expect about 8-9 pair. It's a very open area.

Well OK I misled you.

My Bluebirds are the proud parents of 2 beautiful eggs as of today.

With luck they'll raise 3 broods. Everyone on this board should raise BlueBirds. They are a year around treat. BTW, Hummingbirds will arrive about April 1. Get those feeders ready

Geezer

Last year at this time, I had about 10-12 PM's, as of this afternoon it appears to be about 40.

Hey Gang...if your birds aren't here yet....they are on the way.

Thanks to the PMCA for all the help. Without the info they provide...none of us would ever know what to do. Support them!

GEEZER

Bags of Crushed Oyster shells can be purchased cheaply at local farm supply stores. Some studies published by the PMCA showed PM's furnished with oyster shells fledged a higher number of babies than those given eggshells. Oyster Shells are sanitary, and do not blow away in the wind. It's an easy way...

Expanding Foam and/or Caulk can block off just about any openings around the House.

Oh Geez...don't give me anymore new ideas LOL...

What a great idea! Bluebird house on Martin Pole. If you don't have Bluebirds get some..they are great.

Geezer

This will be the 7th year for my Factory Crescent T-14. It is the cornerstone of my colony. I have 10 gourds hanging on it.

The T-14 has no wing entrapment problems, no starling, hawk, or owl problems. The returning PM's fill it up first.

Highly recommended.

Geezer

If I were to start over today, it would be with tunneled SREH Gourds probably Troyer Horizontals. The PM's in Texas would have no problem with the SREH entrances. Very high occupancy rates. The most important consideration would be protection from snakes. Make sure you get the "birdnetting"...

Old used CD's or DVD's fit perfectly inside the caps. Just use a bit of caulk to lock them in place. Finally some dark paint will make sure no light gets thru.

geezer