Today, two scum beaks in the trap at same time....A little later 2 beautiful martins arrived. The scum beaks had been around for about 3 weeks and actually entered the starling resistant holes in the apartment housing among my natural gourds. I first blocked the holes with over sized foam rubber that allowed a tight fit but the scoundrels actually removed the rubber. After using more positive blockage they were still messing around the apartment dwelling. I could not figure out why they were not going in the large hole of the trap box near by. Meanwhile, I found the problem and fixed it last night. Low and behold, 2 scum beaks in the cage this morning. It sure was nice to see and HEAR the two martins which did light and look but did not enter any of the gourds. They were gone after just a couple minutes. I believe this is normal behavior since it is so early.
I am grateful to this forum for learning how to build the trap but don't remember who provided the actual plans. If others are having similar problems I will be happy to share the experience and what I did to perfect the system.
Not having the best of sights, my PM results over many years has been erratic. A few seasons with good numbers and then because of black snakes by passing ineffective guards there were a few seasons w/o birds.
Scum beaks and martins same day
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Dave Duit
- Posts: 2145
- Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Iowa / Nevada
- Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to daveduit@yahoo.com. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.
Good news on getting rid of the starlings.
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KaraInTexas
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2016 7:29 am
- Location: North Texas
- Martin Colony History: 2020 - 10 nest sites.
2019 - 8 nest sites and 28 fledged.
2018 - Three mating pair. 12 babies, all fledged. Found one adult female dead in house. Cause of death - unable to ascertain. Very sad day.
2017 - First mating pair in Heath house. May 3-5: 5 eggs laid. June 1-3: all hatched. July 3: all 5 fledged.
Approximately 20 adult martins here for the fledge party.
July 1: Installed 4 gourds as well as the 3 houses. The Martins love them!
2016 - Many martins, no nests or eggs. Too many HOSP.
I have a 12 compartment Heath house I converted to a 4 compartment house to allow the Martins more room and hopefully evade owls. I have put in a second house, the S&K 12 compartment one which I converted to 6 compartments. My neighbor also has the same S&K house I converted to a 6 compartment house.
I have eight or more Martins that visit daily.
What guards were ineffective in stopping the snakes?
I have a passion for killing HOSP and am now a good shot.
I have a passion for killing HOSP and am now a good shot.
May the Martins be with you. 