Fortunately, I have been able to establish three nests in my first year thanks to all in this forum who have guided or educated me about the equipment, process, etc.
I have another question about snakes. I haven't even seen any snakes whatsoever on our property but I now have a PM few nests and am wondering how to determine if one needs a snake guard - and what are your thoughts on the more effective ones? My mother and her father never used one and were highly successful with PMs. Of course my Mom says I don't need one - but then again she's the same person who said I'd NEVER get any PMs with SREH (Love my mom! haha).
What is your advice on this issue? Thanks, much.
Happy Father's Day!.
New Landord has a couple questions about snakes...
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Ed Svetich-WI
- Posts: 815
- Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:05 pm
- Location: Brooks, Wi (McGinnis Lake)
- Martin Colony History: 24 Super and Excluder Gourds on two gourd racks, all SREH. Full occupancy. My philosophy is to maximize fledge % with existing cavities rather than adding gourds to grow colony, thus providing opportunities for new colony expansion. Fledge over 100 nestlings yearly from 24 gourds. Band nestlings in cooperation with state university. 2019 Adendum: Reduced colony size to 12 gourds to focus on more intensive management regimen.
It is better to have snake and owl guards installed before you wake us one morning and find out that one of the above has snacked on your colony.I have snakes on my property and owls are heard at night. I have both snake and owl guards and I feel that the odds are in my favor. Why risk your success? Install guards.
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Do you have a baffle/guard of some sort on the pole now? You need one to protect your martins from raccoons.
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Courtney-NC
- Posts: 592
- Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:28 pm
- Location: Holly Springs, NC
- Martin Colony History: 2009-2015-Helped to manage Raleigh site, 36 cavities
2016- 33 pairs at Raleigh site, 1 pair at home site.
2017- 34 pairs at Raleigh site, 3 pairs + extra SYs at home site
2018- 33 pairs at Raleigh site, 5 pairs + extra SYs at home site
2019 - 32 pairs at Raleigh site, 7 pairs at home site, 2 pairs at new Holly Springs park site
I have seen/read about too many people who thought they didn't have snakes so they never put up a guard. I would advise you not to be one of those people. Being proactive is best. Yes, nesting birds attract predators. They make noises, and the nests put out mild odors that snakes can smell. Even one pair of nesting bluebirds can attract a rat snake. As far as what guards are best, it depends on your setup and what fits your pole. I prefer the EZ-Off removable stovepipe-type guards so I can lower my racks down further for nest checks. You can put a wad of snake netting (bird netting sold at big box stores) above that in case the snake is able to breach the guard; it will get stuck in the netting. Another option is using an electric fence type of guard. There are many folks on the forum that use that type of guard and can advise you better on those. I have a photo somewhere of removable snake netting that my friend Kathy in VA made.
-Courtney
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NC Purple Martin Society (PMCA affiliate)
http://www.ncpurplemartin.org
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NC Purple Martin Society (PMCA affiliate)
http://www.ncpurplemartin.org
My biggest regret as a purple martin landlord is telling myself I would add snake netting / owl guards / wing entrapment guards if it became a problem. All of them eventually become problems. Don't have regrets. The sorrow of finding dead babies when you know you could have prevented it is not worth it.
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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..
Bottom line skw159... Put those guards up Yesterday!!!! Take it from a landlord who learned the hard way several years ago!! Never ever think you don't have predators around!!
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!!!!!