My first pair of martins are in the process of building their nest. It's very exciting to watch & listen to them. I was hoping that they would attract more, but I am thankful for these. Is there a chance that I might attract more this year?
As far as the sparrows & Starlings go, I have always been respectful of all of God's creatures until the day I seen a Starling run my male into the gourd and then wait for him to come out. After that I have had enough. My friend Ray lent me a trap to place in my T14. So far I have trapped & disposed of 2 Starlings & 1 Sparrow.
Should I place a feeder with oyster shells out there for them? If so how high do I place the tray.
Thanks
Bret
my first pair
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~Ray~Gingerich
- Posts: 2122
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:24 pm
- Location: Delaware/Dover
Bret, the SYs are still coming in you could still pick up some of those up to about mid June.
Your feeder would be fine anything over six ft. or if you have a safe open area just put the shells on the ground, I put mine on the side of my driveway along with some nesting materials.
You can use the t-14 trap the remainder of this season, I won't need it till late in the winter, glad it's working out for you.
Your feeder would be fine anything over six ft. or if you have a safe open area just put the shells on the ground, I put mine on the side of my driveway along with some nesting materials.
You can use the t-14 trap the remainder of this season, I won't need it till late in the winter, glad it's working out for you.
~Ray~ Gingerich
1999 1pair, 2006 2 pair, 2008 2 pair,
2009 23 pair, 2010 39 pair, 2011 67 pair,
2012 115 pair, 2013 160 pair,
2014 152 pair, 2015 174 pair, 2016 178 pair
2017 187 pair, 2018 200 pair, 2019 171pair
2020 233 pair
1999 1pair, 2006 2 pair, 2008 2 pair,
2009 23 pair, 2010 39 pair, 2011 67 pair,
2012 115 pair, 2013 160 pair,
2014 152 pair, 2015 174 pair, 2016 178 pair
2017 187 pair, 2018 200 pair, 2019 171pair
2020 233 pair
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Trishy
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:25 am
- Location: Wisconsin/Shell Lake
- Martin Colony History: Colony started in 2009 with 2 pair.
Currently I have 3 gourd racks with 24 gourds. One gourd rack will be for sy arrivals only.
Bo Eleven gourds 20
Congratulations Bret. I had one pair last year that successfully fledged. One pair lost their babies to bad weather. This year I am up to 4 pair so far and have 1 or 2 asy males hanging around without a mate and am hoping they pick up a sy female. I know it was very exciting for me when I got my first pair last year. Like Ray said, the sys are still coming in so you may get more birds. Good luck.
Trish