Couple of Questions
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Larry D
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:20 pm
- Location: Texas/Weatherford
- Martin Colony History: 4 years trying
2015 -- FINALLY!! One pair, 4 fledged. We took a 2 week vacation to Alaska in May and returned to find our first pair!!
2016 - - 2 pair, 6 fledged
2017 - - 3 pair, 5 fledged
I am determined to get some birds this year! I inherited several houses from my FIL. This is my 3rd year to try. First year I was a little late starting. Last year I expected PMs but was disappointed. Should ALL houses be up and open to offer more choices? or just a few doors in each house? When should the dawnsong start if sunup is 7:30? I'm a little south of Weatherford, TX. in the country, so we have owls, hawks, etc. My next concern will be the open flyway, but a hate to think of moving poles.
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Peggy Riley
- Posts: 885
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:21 pm
- Location: TX/Tolar
Larry, I am south of you in Tolar. You should open your housing and start the dawnsong now. Play it anytime of day.
My colony is almost full and you should start seeing visitors soon. There are several successful colonies in your area. With last years good results hopefully you'll be successful this year.
Peggy
My colony is almost full and you should start seeing visitors soon. There are several successful colonies in your area. With last years good results hopefully you'll be successful this year.
Peggy
PMCA Member
2017 101 pair
2017 101 pair
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Dave Duit
- Posts: 2146
- Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Iowa / Nevada
- Martin Colony History: In 2026, 88 pair with 333 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to daveduit@yahoo.com. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.
Larry, You mentioned owls and hawks. Please look online for owl guards that will match up with your housing. If owls are seen, they will more than likely find your martins in the years to come. Not to scare you, but an owl can ruin an entire colony.
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Craig Dyer
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 2:24 pm
- Location: Nevada, TX
- Martin Colony History: Area is rural. Offer 28 compartments...metal housing (Lonestar Goliad) & Supergourds all w/crescent entrance holes. Purple martins are abundant here and eager for quality, well maintained, safe housing. Expect near 100% occupancy this season.
Larry,
You mention open flyways & not wanting to move poles. I agree that is a hassle. If your martin houses however are encroached by trees, that may be what is preventing your success. It has been stated here on the Forum time and time again that an open location, free from encroachment by trees is key to attracting and keeping purple martins. Moving your poles to a more open spot may do the trick. Best of luck to you this year!
You mention open flyways & not wanting to move poles. I agree that is a hassle. If your martin houses however are encroached by trees, that may be what is preventing your success. It has been stated here on the Forum time and time again that an open location, free from encroachment by trees is key to attracting and keeping purple martins. Moving your poles to a more open spot may do the trick. Best of luck to you this year!
Craig Dyer
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Larry D
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:20 pm
- Location: Texas/Weatherford
- Martin Colony History: 4 years trying
2015 -- FINALLY!! One pair, 4 fledged. We took a 2 week vacation to Alaska in May and returned to find our first pair!!
2016 - - 2 pair, 6 fledged
2017 - - 3 pair, 5 fledged
Thanks for the replies
Dave, I made owl guards for the first two houses my father-in-law gave me a couple of years ago. I purchased conical predator guards and made netting snake guards. I was all ready to protect my PMs, but 2 years later and still none. It's time now and I had to lower the houses because of high winds. It's supposed to freeze the next couple of nights, then rain for three. I don't guess that will deter them, though.
Dave, I made owl guards for the first two houses my father-in-law gave me a couple of years ago. I purchased conical predator guards and made netting snake guards. I was all ready to protect my PMs, but 2 years later and still none. It's time now and I had to lower the houses because of high winds. It's supposed to freeze the next couple of nights, then rain for three. I don't guess that will deter them, though.
2011 -- 0
2012 -- 0
2013 -- Hoping!
2014 -- Nada. Still trying!
2015 -- FINALLY!! One pair, 4 fledged. We took a 2 week vacation to Alaska in May and returned to find our first pair!!
2016 - - 2 pair, 6 fledged
2017 - - 3 pair, 5 fledged
2012 -- 0
2013 -- Hoping!
2014 -- Nada. Still trying!
2015 -- FINALLY!! One pair, 4 fledged. We took a 2 week vacation to Alaska in May and returned to find our first pair!!
2016 - - 2 pair, 6 fledged
2017 - - 3 pair, 5 fledged