Building an architectural pond

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Lancaster House
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2018 10:21 am
Location: Austin, Texas

I am the process of building a small 8ftx8ft square pond just 15-20 ft from my gourd rack. I was going to do a checkerboard of stepping stones but then I realized I may be missing an opportunity to see martins drink water. Is the pond too small regardless?? and therefore I shouldn't even worry about providing 8x8ft of open water?? Thoughts and ideas welcome. Thanks!

David
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flyin-lowe
Posts: 3795
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
Location: Indiana/Henry Co.

I have a pool that is 18'x33' and I never saw a single bird use it last year. 8x8 seems pretty small, especially if there is a pond or river near by. How close is the nearest natural water source?
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.
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Spiderman
Posts: 991
Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:19 am
Location: Gladewater, Texas

It will be way too small.

On a lake it takes 50' for them to diver& rise back up, they are going pretty fast!
Colony started in 2002

Offering 82 Troyer Horizontal Gourds

2018 - 45 PAIR - FLEDGED 203 MARTINS
2019 - 68 PAIR - FLEDGED 268 MARTINS
2020 - 82 PAIR - FLEDGED 392 MARTINS
2021 - 78 PAIR - FLEDGED 349 MARTINS
2022 - 76 PAIR - FLEDGED 373 MARTINS
2023 - 68 PAIR - FLEDGED 355 MARTINS

*2023 Added 2”X4” wire cages to all three Troyer Gemini Gourd Racks to deal with Great Horned Owl predation on Colony.
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Lancaster House
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2018 10:21 am
Location: Austin, Texas

Thanks for all the feedback! We're just 2nd year landlords. We had a pair last year that fledged 5 babies. This year we had a pair (same pair from last year??) that showed and then recruited another pair. Unfortunately we discovered a male (leadmale??) that we think was killed by the smaller starling variety (can get through extruder doors) that has arrived on the scene. Soon thereafter nothing for several days until tonight when a pair visited for a good while but didn't spend the night. I guess there is always hope.

David
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Dave Duit
Posts: 2146
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
Location: Iowa / Nevada
Martin Colony History: In 2026, 88 pair with 333 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.

Great thought, but I agree about the pond being too small. Regardless, it will be a nice addition to your yard.
ImageMite control, heat venting, predator protection and additional feeding during bad weather add up to success.
ImageIPMO LOGO1.jpg
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Tengai
Posts: 68
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2017 9:36 am
Location: Townsend, DE
Martin Colony History: 2017 first year

I have an 18 x25 for ornamental koi pond with a waterfall about 60 feet from the martins I have seen them flying down scooping in for a drink. I also have many natural ponds 1/2 to 2 miles in any direction
Phil
Townsend DE
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