TS are Persistent

[Goodnature]

In 2010 TS dominated the area ( Blue Ridge Mtns) and visiting PMs were
quickly bullied away. I had a successful (?) PM landlording operation in Orange, VA. I relocated to Greene County, VA and started another PM routine last year. I did due diligence during the "dry" period and was prepared for another PM season in 2011. I located two nest boxes on either
side (about 25 ft) from my PM rig - a Gemini. One box for the BBs and the
other for the TSs. My gourds were taped closed - up in April. TS arrived in force and the BBs had five eggs before the TSs started a nest. Started the DS once the white feather was in the TS box - and relocated them, now 80 ft
away. Witnessed one investigating ASY male chased by the male TS. That TS is still monitoring the area. I fear this year is going to be a repeat of last year. Would appreciate comments/suggestions!

[Ryan]

I'd bring the TS box back to the 25 foot distance. Since 80 feet is out of the single box range, the TS may be trying to keep your martin house clear in case they need a back-up.


I don't have martins, but I have a TS box with eggs 20 feet from my martin pole and the swallows keep other swallows away from the martin house like a guard dog.


I had a single martin visit for a few weeks last year and the TS didn't bother it. Last year I had to fight with the TS to get them out of the martin house and into the swallow box, but upon returning this spring they went straight into the box, and like I said they guard the martin house from other swallows.


I think you should have it back at 25 feet now that they are nesting in it. They'll stay out of the martin house, keep other swallows off the martin house and they should leave the martins alone from that distance.

[~Ray~Gingerich]

I have tree swallows nesting in a gourd located about 100ft away from my martin houses, today I heard a commotion out there, when I checked one of my martins was tormenting the little guys, flying tight circles all around the gourd. Usually I see tree swallows chasing martins but not today