Purple Martin House choices

[mhancock]

I currently have a 8 space house and put it out about 2 weeks ago and initially got some attention. I would have 2-3 single scouts come and hang around but not stay. I’m getting more sparrows than martins. A neighbor has gourds out and they seem to be attracted to those, should I switch to gourds and should I put the pole in the water not on the lake shoreline? Had 2 families last year and just wondering what else to try?

[flyin-lowe]

What size are the compartments in the house? As far as the water v shore line, I would not put it in the water just because you can't do any nest checks or fix any issues that might arise during the season. If your neighbors have some gourds that are housing martins I would definitely try some of those. Main thing is keeping the sparrows at bay. You will have to get rid of them some how, either trapping or shooting. If you just keep scaring them off and pulling their nests out they will just keep coming back.

If you have some pictures of the housing and the location on your property we might be able to give some advise on that as well.

[Unk Bond]

Hello

My first thought
That close to water. I would think moisture and dampness
Would be hard on any house made of would
Where as a Gourd would last longer

Later Unk