So I think we had either 2 scouts or a pair briefly come to the house I just put up, but haven't seen them since? It's been about 2 weeks and I continue to use the Dawnsong CD but no luck bringing them back. HOSP's try to make several nests daily and haven't dialed in the pellet gun yet to get them. Do I continue to use the CD or do I just need to be patient for them to come back?
Thank you
New to Purple Martins
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millerjr88
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2022 8:41 am
- Location: Orwell, OH
- Martin Colony History: 2020 - 1 pair SY, 4 eggs, hatched and fledged only 1 due to a lone male SY that carried some of the eggs out of the nest.
2021 - 2 pair SY, fledged 7, 2 lone male SY
2022- 2 pair ASY, 3 pair SY, 22 eggs laid, hatched 19, fledged 16. Also one pair SY that nested but did not lay eggs.
2023- 13 pair, 60 eggs, fledged 47.
2024- 21 pair, 94 eggs, fledged 75.
My vote would be continue using the dawn song until you have martins staying. It is what got me started and I left it on all day until martins stayed. It is not unusual to have visitors from other sites check out your site. If you see them going in and out of nesting compartments they should be there to stay.
Daniel
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Jones4381
- Posts: 830
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2020 10:54 pm
- Location: Southwestern VA
- Martin Colony History: 2020- 0
2021- 1 pair-5
2022- 5 pair-20
2023 34 pair-44
2024 30 pair-122
2025 54 Pair -178
You need to focus 100% on elimination of the HOSP...Great news the Martins checked your place out...you need to make it as inviting as possible, meaning no other species has taken up in the cavities. Some suggest pre nesting and a lived in look "mud smeared on the entry way..." etc....I tend to agree with this same philosophy as I took that advice and it worked.mhancock wrote: ↑Tue May 16, 2023 10:32 amSo I think we had either 2 scouts or a pair briefly come to the house I just put up, but haven't seen them since? It's been about 2 weeks and I continue to use the Dawnsong CD but no luck bringing them back. HOSP's try to make several nests daily and haven't dialed in the pellet gun yet to get them. Do I continue to use the CD or do I just need to be patient for them to come back?
Thank you
"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." - Lao Tzu
Still having issues with HOSP and have tried blocking the hole and removing the nests and haven't had alot of success trying to shoot them. They see me coming and just fly away. Now all I hear pretty much during the day is their chirping?
I've had a pair come by the house but don't stop. Should I continue to leave the holes open and use the Dawnsong CD or is it too late to attact them for the year? Also considering going to Gourds in the future. When I drive around the lake the majority of the PM's are using the Gourd houses so is that a better option?
Also have a question about the HOSP taking over the Bluebird nesting areas. Had Bluebirds this spring nesting in hole in a dead birch tree but have not seen them back lately? Again HOSP seem to have taken over all the nests?
I've had a pair come by the house but don't stop. Should I continue to leave the holes open and use the Dawnsong CD or is it too late to attact them for the year? Also considering going to Gourds in the future. When I drive around the lake the majority of the PM's are using the Gourd houses so is that a better option?
Also have a question about the HOSP taking over the Bluebird nesting areas. Had Bluebirds this spring nesting in hole in a dead birch tree but have not seen them back lately? Again HOSP seem to have taken over all the nests?
You need a blind.........I have a golf cart that I cover with a fitted bed sheet over the roof. Pull the sheet so the front, back and shooting side is mostly covered. I position it for a good shot where I have spotted the problem sparrow(s). Tear or cut a small 4" to 5" hole in the sheet that gives you a clear view and sit inside and wait. I rest the pellet gun on the sheet and it is very stable to shoot from. If you happen to miss, stay inside for awhile and they will come back. I only shoot the males 1st. I have them on and off all season long and this has been the fastest way for me to eradicate them. Good luck