thunderstorms and lowering gourds?

[Jim 1990]

I have two gourd racks that have martins that are old enough to fledge . I have been lowering the racks when there is a threat of bad weather but they were small then Will it be be ok for the racks to be lowered if some start their first flight or should they be up high to give the martins more altitude for their first flight as the forecast is calling for possible severe storms tomorrow.

[Louise Chambers]

Jim, I would go ahead and lower the racks a bit tomorrow as you usually do - the martins should be used to it. What is the height of the lower gourds when you have the racks down a bit for storms? Martins usually swoop down & out when leaving gourds, and in locations that allow it, will be just a few feet above ground before gaining some height.

[Jim 1990]

Thanks Louise, I lowered the gourds down so the lowest gourds are about 6 feet above the ground. I didn't like lowering them as most of martins are 24-26 days old. I have 2inch galvanized round poles so I have to use a ladder to put a clamp I made to keep them in rotation. But no martins were scared out .Like you said they are pretty used to it as I do nest checks every week and more often this year with all the storms we have had . While I was on the ladder putting the clamp on poles the adults were feeding there young .I spend a lot of time with them when I am home during the weekends and after I get home from work. I have 182 young martins total in both gourd racks this year.

[Bulldog1]

Here's a video you might find interesting:

https://youtu.be/HJjvUeE2qJs