Martin Houses removed close by

frostman · Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:45 am

What would normally happen if a few houses have been removed about a mile from my place that had a good colony for the last few years? Should I have my houses open for the scouts that are missing a house, or wait until the later wave comes in?????

Dave Reynolds · Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:50 am

I would get them open, just in case one birds circles your houses, looking for his old house.

Dave

DornCounty · Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:36 am

I assume you are just starting a colony. If so as long as you keep HOSP and Starlings out I would open it up at normal arrival time for ASY's. If you are going to let HOSP and Starling in then do not open.

Matt F. · Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:01 am

frostman wrote:What would normally happen if a few houses have been removed about a mile from my place that had a good colony for the last few years? Should I have my houses open for the scouts that are missing a house, or wait until the later wave comes in?????

Those early arrivals coming back, only to find their housing gone, are definitely going to be fanning out, looking for new homes.
There have been numerous colonies started this way.
There have even been some studies done on this "forced dispersal", where housing at an active, thriving colony, was intentionally reduced, resulting in nearby potential colonies that had been trying for years to attract Martins, to finally get some to settle in.
Large colonies that are at full occupancy, and do not continue to add additional housing, are HUGE assets when it comes to adding to area Martin numbers, and helping to greatly increase the chances of nearby, potential landlords, to attracting Martins.

chickadee · Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:13 am

2 years ago that happen to me. A place 7 miles away went under. And that year I filled up with all adult birds and had know room for subbies. 25 adult males to be exact. I wondered where they came from so I took a drive and sure enough their was no martins at that old site. One run down house left with starlings. Rest of the houses was gone. So I would be ready for that. And open something.

~Ray~Gingerich · Thu Feb 27, 2014 2:28 pm

Open your houses now, preferably with the same type they removed. The Martins might hang out for a few weeks at the other place before coming to yours.

pmlover · Thu Feb 27, 2014 2:52 pm

yes get ready for many
that happened to me last year. All of a sudden I had 6o more pairs
dick morrow