I doubt that I can add much to the discussion.
In response to the initial post, I inherited a Trio Grandma from my father this winter. After first restoring the house with parts provided by the current manufacturer of the Trio style houses, I then proceeded to modify the house to current specifications.
I started out this year late April using doors with Excluder entrances. I had new site anxiety and changed half of the doors to crescent entrances with PMCA wing entrapment protectors.
When my founding SY pair arrived on May 19 of this year, I sensed that they were so excited to find my house that it did not matter what kind of entrance was provided. They slipped in and out of both style of entrances with ease. I suspect she chose the crescent hole because that side of the house has the best flyway.
I personally will never use round hole entrances in the Memphis, TN area because the number of European starlings is staggering.
All of the 3 landlords in this area that I have mentored have excellent sites but their houses were overrun by S & S. Excluder and Excluder II entrances solved the starling pressure. English sparrow control was actually more difficult, but aggressive HOSP control was ultimately successful. Once these 2 nonnative, invasive species were eliminated, the martins began to investigate and settle into the houses.
Ongoing HOSP control will never end.
I believe that SREHs are necessary in a site where starlings are present. If a person can manage a colony with round holes and starlings, then they are braver than me.
Convince me one way or the other.........
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:04 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
I am here in Iowa as well, and 5 years ago, my mentor, Jim, insisted on SREH entrances. Had a pair in 2 weeks! So, my thought is more and more people are using SREH entry and the young grow up with them and will return to them as SY's This year, 10 pairs, around 40 babies and still some eggs. Never had a starling problem here. GOOD LUCK TIM