Purple Martin Forum

Yes we've been very fortunate, of course it took us about 5 years to get them, so I try to do everything I can to keep them happy.

Thanks for all the help. It appears that I have a newer style house. Hopefully it will enhance my success even more. 3 years ago I had 3 pair. Last year we ended up with 34 pair.

I had someone give me a trio m12k house. It needs some work. I'm currently using a t14, Troyer , & s&k gourds. Is there anything I should know or any suggestions before I spend a lot time and money on this house. The same person gave me a natureline gourd system

I am going to expanding my housing this year. I managed to have one pair & raised three in 2010. I am excited about this year. Right now I have a T14 & six gourds. I am building another T14 & I want to add another gourd rack. Can anybody give me some advice on the pvc racks? I am going t...

I did play my tape early this morning and much to my surprise I had a couple show up. I'm not an expert but it looked like an sy male. He kept hanging around the house. Kept checking the compartments out. I guess this is a good sign. Is it common for them to check things out for a couple of days bef...

Been sitting out here watching. Had three buzzed the house, one landed on the perch for about 10 min then flew off. It looks like the female PM I found along the road was mine. How do I proceed from here? Do I start playing my tape again? Any Ideas?

Thanks
Bret

That's what bothers me. Because I do not have any activity. Hopefully I am overeacting.

This was my first pair ever. That's what bothers me. As far as the oyster shells it's something that was going to do this weekend.

We have had some rainy weather here in the beginning of the week. I had checked my gourds of which I knew I had one pair. When I checked I had found another nest being started. I was very excited to that. Last night I did not see any activity and I also noticed the same this morning. I was assuming ...

I have a pair of Bluebirds that are nesting in a bluebird box that I have. I also notice them hanging around my Martin housing. Do I need to be worried about this? I had a lot of activity on Monday. Yesterday with all the rain not so much. Will inclimate weather have an impact on establishing a colo...

My pair have been very busy building their nest. Tonight I seen another with them. It looks like a SY male. I was watching close 7 I believe he is in another gourd. When they decide to go to bed they don't mess around. Do the SY male's stay in the house first? I was brave today and brought the gourd...

My first pair of martins are in the process of building their nest. It's very exciting to watch & listen to them. I was hoping that they would attract more, but I am thankful for these. Is there a chance that I might attract more this year? As far as the sparrows & Starlings go, I have alway...

After two nights of the male staying, last night I had both the male & female stay. Looks like I have my first pair, I guess I can assume that. I hope they attract more. Last night before dusk there was about six that flew in with them. A couple did set on the gourd rack with them. Couldn't tell...

I guess I can assume that I have some residents? This is the second day in a row that my male has spent the night. Right now they are together hanging around the gourds. Something new this morning is a second pair was flying around. Does that mean that maybe I will get more? I thought I had screwed ...

I had my first pair ever here that spent the night. I had some decoys up and today when I was desparrowing I decided to remove two of them. I did notice that there were two pair here off and on all day. I have two more decoys up on my gourd rack left. Should I go ahead & remove them now?

I had my first pair spend the night last night. I was up early this morning waiting and when it got light he came out. I am assuming that this is a good sign. Also have had a mockingbird on top of one of houses. Is there any concern with that?

I have some pine straw in some, However the one's that they are in do not. Should I? I did not put straw in all of them for I have been battling sparrows. I am only down to tearing out two sparrow nests a day. I hope to have my trap in operation this week.

After trying for a while. I believe that maybe I might have some tenants. We were in our yard today and I noticed a pair that would come & go. They would stay longer each time they came. The last I seen them, was about an hour before dark. The male was in the house, which is a first for me &...

After a disappointing day yesterday with the rain & overcast conditions, I seen one return this morning. He didn't stay long, just stuck his head in several compartments then left. Maybe I need to take my wife's advice and be patient. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good sparrow trap. I ha...

Did not play my tape today nor did I see any activity. Of course it was raining and a little overcast. I wonder if what I saw was Martins passing through? I think if i don't see any activity tomorrow I will resume the tape.