decoys?

[Bret]

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?

[Gary W]

Hi Bret,

I would not remove any decoys. They are great for diverting hawk attacks! I keep decoys installed throughout the nesting season. I am sure there are other members of this forum that will confirm this information.

Gary

[Guest]

Bret,

Decoys have taken a beating for my martins. I move mine around from time to time but I won't take them down. I've had hawks hit them so hard they broke stuff they were attached to. Had one hawk that hit a decoy and hung on and really rung his bell.

My advice would be a big "NOOOOO".

[Guest]

I agree. Leave them alone. However, those decoys are ignored after awhile and I see other birds landing right on top of them ! The phillips screws on the bottom wear out from wind and such whipping them around. Had another thought to modify one decoy with a retention spring attached to the undercarriage so it sways a bit with the wind. Guessing that the movement may help deter other birds and help the PM's be at peace.

[Littlebit45]

Leave your decoys up, that way if a hawk hits it will hopefully be the decoy and give your martins a chance to get away. I leave mine up 2 on the gourd rack and 2 on house. I laugh at the martins landing beside them and start talking to them. Talk about 1 sided conversations lol. Now they even land on top of them.