My poles are moving in the wind
I just placed my two houses up. One is from my deseased father in-law and I have no clue the name brand but it came with a round pole and is lifted by a pulley and rope. My new house is a S&K on a triangle S&K telescopic pole. Both are concreted in the ground 21" down. My question/concern is that both sway a little at times with wind. Will this keep any PM from nesting in them ? I also have a decoy on each. Thanks in advance. Chad
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3789
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
The tri tell S&K poles are not know to be the sturdiest. A little movement will not be a problem. If you live in windy spot and they are constantly leaning and bouncing around that wouldn't be good. Sounds like both of them need to be lowered a little any time there is a storm or high winds in the forecast. Maybe a picture of the other system will allow someone to help you ID it.
2026 HOSP 27
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
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Dale D
- Posts: 329
- Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2018 10:11 am
- Location: Orlando, Fl
- Martin Colony History: Landlord since 2004
I agree with flyin-lowe! The Martin's will still use it if you lower it by even a section. Much better to have it a little lower then to have it bent over.
Orlando, FL Landlord since 2004
Offer 42 Cavities Total
Offer 42 Cavities Total
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Craig Dyer
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 2:24 pm
- Location: Nevada, TX
- Martin Colony History: Area is rural. Offer 28 compartments...metal housing (Lonestar Goliad) & Supergourds all w/crescent entrance holes. Purple martins are abundant here and eager for quality, well maintained, safe housing. Expect near 100% occupancy this season.
Purple martins are not bothered by a little sway from the wind. As already stated pole damage is the real concern. It seems counter intuitive, but martins appear quite unfazed by the height of their housing. I routinely lower mine to six or seven feet from the ground during thunderstorms. It does not seem to bother them in the least. Directional orientation is important. Make sure the housing doesn't spin and change direction. I have read that keeping the housing higher does give the martins an edge in escaping accipiters. The additional height allows them to dive downward and gain speed and momentum as they escape.
Craig Dyer