Those pesky old sparrows!
This is my second year to host Martins. Last year had 1 pair with 6 adorable nestling all fledged! This year we have 8 pair and as of our latest nest check saturday, had 15 eggs, 4 hatched in one nest! Yeah, I must be doing something right. But...thus far have trapped and eliminated 2 pair of house sparrows, and now 2 more pair have showed up! I have no hesitation in doing whatever it takes to protect the Martins! My husband even built a sparrow "trap house" in which just insert the traps and hopefully will catch those sparrows! Anyone have any words of experience to share? We found 2 cracked eggs today! Need help !
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tonyg
- Posts: 1520
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
- Location: Olpe, KS
- Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..
Congrats on your increase of pairs. 
cracked eggs could be the work of those sparrows..just keep doing your best to rid yourself of those pests.thats all one can do.. My wife lived in Granbury for four years back in her high school days..68-72...
cracked eggs could be the work of those sparrows..just keep doing your best to rid yourself of those pests.thats all one can do.. My wife lived in Granbury for four years back in her high school days..68-72...
Last edited by tonyg on Mon May 19, 2014 11:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
22 year landlord..9 Rack Systems for 2018 and my home built T-8 for a total of 166 cavities..160 pair in 2018 ..SUPER COLONY!!! Love You Bev... Fan of those St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
Suzanne, check out this thread. Also, I sent you a private message.
purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25191&highlight=hosp+trap
purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25191&highlight=hosp+trap
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
Thanks Tony and Kathy. The martins seem to be more "on duty" , keeping at least one Martin on the house as a lookout. Kathy, will check out the thread you mentioned. Nest checks done again: now up to 21 eggs, and should be more by my next check. Wow! I am so hooked on this Martin Project!