House move after arrival question

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CNO~La
Posts: 145
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2003 2:12 am
Location: Baton Rouge/Louisiana

My Martins are a few days late, but not really a bad thing. I am having some major landscaping work in my backyard and it will entail moving the houses between 10 - 20 feet. Work has been delayed because I live close to Mississippi River and yard is saturated due to high river levels.

If Martins arrive and stay, will the move cause them to abandon site? Move will be done during the day when most birds are feeding, and, hopefully done even before any eggs are laid. This is an established site and has had birds for past 15 years.

Thanks for any advice and good luck this season!
Stephen Cruse
Posts: 168
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 12:17 pm
Location: Texas, Hitchcock and Rocksprings

I would try and move the house asap but 20 feet isn't a huge distance and shouldn't affect an established colony. Main thing to remember is to keep the house positioned in the same direction if you move it after the birds come back. I have done it and didn't have any issues.
2014 - 72 pairs
2015 - 127 pairs
Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
CNO~La
Posts: 145
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2003 2:12 am
Location: Baton Rouge/Louisiana

Thanks for the positive replies Stephen and Archer.

Archer/Larry - video was great and furthers my belief that any answer can be found on YouTube :lol:
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