Last fall we put a 12 gourd rack up. We have 1 pair that is nesting. They arrived about 10 days ago. Also, I just trapped my first sparrow using a troyer trap. Here is my question: how many gourds should I leave open to attract more potential pairs? Also, if I leave just one gourd open should it be next to my current pair?
Thank you!
Another question on sparrow control
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3795
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
At a new colony I usually only keep a few open to help combat competitor problems. If you have one pair it won't hurt to open up 4 or 5 and if you start to get more SY's (not sure how the migration is in your neck of the woods) you can open more. Right now I am working on my second good year at a new location and most of the cavities I have open are ones I can observe from the house. In a year or two should I continue to grow I will start opening all of them up. I also have a T14 plus various types of gourds, I tend open up a variety of cavities in case they have a preference.
2026 HOSP 29
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
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paule
- Posts: 135
- Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:06 pm
- Location: Central Iowa
- Martin Colony History: 5 Modified Trios 10 Gourds and 1 B&B
2025 33 Pair 83 Fledged
2024 39 Pair 75 Fledged
2023 33 Pair 114 Fledged
2022 27 Pair 113 Fledged
2021 31 Pair 115 Fledged
2020 29 Pair 109 Fledged
2019 24 Pair 83 Fledged
2018 23 Pair 92 Fledged
2017 26 Pair 105 Fledged
2016 21 Pair 99 Fledged
2015 15 Pair 59 Fledged
2014 18 Pair 40 Fledged
2013 16 Pair 30 Fledged
2012 10 Pair 30 Fledged
Started in late 1980's
Lancaster House,
I totally agree with what flyin-lowe recommended. Trying to follow that plan should lead to success.
Paul
I totally agree with what flyin-lowe recommended. Trying to follow that plan should lead to success.
Paul
Project MartinWatch participants and supplemental feeding is provided. I also add heat to housing when needed.
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Lancaster House
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2018 10:21 am
- Location: Austin, Texas
Ok, perfect. I just closed the gourds that we don't have a direct view of from our windows and front porch. This still leaves a variety of gourds in case we have some picky future tenants.
Thanks!
Thanks!