Upgrades in the works, NC, new site, Clayton (Archer Lodge)

[dhjohnson]

Afternoon to All,
We are building a new rack for 2013 to replace two existing SK telescoping pole racks. My question is. ... The new rack will be 30' at a point equal distance from the existing two racks and about 40' from our house. Will returning birds be confused to the point that I will have to start all over again? How strong is site fedelity? I have 7 pair and a couple of single SY males that call our site home.

Last question, I have an SY pair that layed 5 eggs but only one hatched a week ago. Should I remove the remaining eggs? They threw one out but the remaining three are next to the growing hatchling. He is growing very fast and they are feeding him well.
Thanks for your help,
Debbie

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

I cannot guarantee you that they will stay, but 30ft is a very short distance, so with 7 pair, I would actually not worry about it, as I think that they will simply move over to the new equipment. I would think that they would rather move 30ft than to go look for housing at a new site.

It somewhat depends on how attractive your present site is. If there is another wonderful and better site a 1/2mile away, some may go to that other site. So if your present site is not tree encroached, I feel that they will surely stay.

About moving the unhatched eggs, I probably would move them, but its not necessary. I see it as making very little difference either way.

[dhjohnson]

Emil,
Thanks for your input. We have two giant oak trees near our house. Both would be considered behind our house. They haven't been a problem for our new site this year. There are three sides that would be considered ideal and wide open. The nearest tree would be about 60' away which is one of those giant oaks. Both trees are 100' feet tall with big canopies. The canopy edge is what would be about 60' away.
Best wishes for your season,
Debbie

[Laverne]

I've got a question for you, Debbie: Why not put the new housing in the same position as one of your existing poles. I believe this would insure immediate acceptance with no confusion for your returning birds.

When we first moved here we erected one pole which has never been moved. But, we have gone from homemade wooden houses to gourd racks on that same pole and our colony has always moved right in. Today we have ten poles that are 10 - 12 feet apart. The cluster of gourd racks creates a busy hub for colonial nesters who seem to love it...

[Bob Fraser]

Debbie -

I had 8 gourds on an S&K pole last year. I put a Gemini system about 15 feet from the S&K pole for this year. I did leave 3 gourds on the S&K pole this year and put 28 gourds on the Gemini. All 31 gourds have nesting martins this year.

You shouldn't have any problem with them returning and nesting next year.

[dhjohnson]

Laverne,
That would indeed be a logical solution but. One rack is right next to an easement path and sitting in the edge of our rose garden. An example of contradictions, rose bushes within two foot of the base of the pole and a sixteen foot windmill twenty feet on the other side.

I want to leave the second rack where it is and turn it into a neutral perch, supplemental feeding and nesting material resource center. We sell hay to several customers and that rack is high traffic for tractors and vehicles with trailers.

My husband is building the new rack now. It will be very heavy duty and will span 13' 2"
From point to point. Concrete is going in tomorrow morning. The thought is trying to get it up before they leave this year and provide a roost for fledglings.

The second rack is an ideal space but it is occupied right now by SY's.
Hope this helps with the logic and thank you for your advice and wisdom this year. Might need some more of that advice next year.
Debbie