Purple Martin Forum

first sign of life here in western Wisconsin with a sighting of tree swallows flying around but as of today no Martin's yet. Cold temps, snow, rain, thunderstorms tomorrow, and a heavy dose of wind! be lucky to see a PM this year!

I'm with you in Wisconsin! I have had at least one pair the last 3 years but the last 2 years the birds seem to abandon the nest with eggs. happened to my blue birds in 2020 and tree swallows in 21 along with one pair of Martin's the same year. I do have poplar trees in my back yard that have gotten...

thank you for all the great information! decoys are up and we will see what happens. hope everyone has a great season!

Hello everyone,
so I bought some Martin decoys and have mixed reviews, do I leave them up in hopes they will help attract birds? also heard that they scare them away.
would they attract more hawks and owls? or give them time to duck in and escape the attack!


thanks in advance

so I purchased a round rack kit from Troyer's this off season and it's a 12 gourd kit, the only 24 gourd kit they had was for a 3" pole and I have a 2" steel pole that's pretty heavy duty. Is there another place to buy a 24 round rack system besides Troyer or do I purchase another 12 gourd...

I live in west central WI and have had one Martin sighting on the 19th! kind of wondering if something is going on? Starlings and House sparrows are kept in check. Had first pair last year and fledged 5

Thank you all for your help! stay well

Hello all,
I purchased a used Trio castle last year and would like to convert the 24 rooms to 12 larger rooms and convert the original entrances to SREH. Is there a easy way to drill the aluminum plate in-between the rooms? It all looks to be riveted together.

Thanks