Martin Attraction Strategy with Photo's
From: Dick Wallace, O'Neill, NE
Date: 3/14/00
Hi Everyone,
This is a setup I just installed at my parents home in Papillion, NE on March 11th. It is an unestablished site at present. I thought I would share it with everyone as I have tried to incorporate everything I have learned about attracting martins in this setup. The only things that I may have left out that may help is the mixture of plastic and natural gourds. I didn't have any natural gourds with SREH openings so I used only the Super Gourds. Another thing in the wind that I am hearing about is the use of mirrors. I am not sure of their application yet, I think they are mentioned in the "Purple Martin Update" that has just been mailed. They could easily be added as we learn more about this method. Anyway, here is an explanation to accompany the pictures. Maybe this will help people trying to establish a colony and helpful to Mentors in the process of helping others.
1. There are not many wires nearby and even if there are, martins like to perch and preen. Here they have the option to do so right above their housing.
2. PMCA has just released a new item in their catalog. Purple Martin decoys. The only thing the decoys lack from being real is a beating heart. A MUST for hopeful landlords. (Thanks Louise :~)
3. This is a Trio-Grandpa that is modified differently than most. Only the outside compartments are enlarged to 6"x6"x12". The middle compartments remain 6"x6"x6". You will see why later. Using the door plugs on the back wall of the enlarged compartments, I open opposite holes, up and down, left and right.
4. I use SREH's on every compartment that would be desirable for nesting. I have the oblong on the Trio and crescents on the Super Gourds. This offers enough resistance to the starlings and gives martins a look at both SREH's. You can't see it in the pictures, but nesting materials and mud around entrance holes have been added.
5. On the remaining 6"x6"x6" compartments, I left a "keyhole" entrance hole to keep the martins snooping around until they use an SREH. I didn't put any nesting material in these small compartments.
6. On another small compartment there is a Spare-o-door, sparrow trap. Another feature to reduce pressure from unwanted inhabitants. You could also use an insert trap on a Super Gourd if you desire to trap starlings. However, I feel like the SREH's are enough in this setup for starling control.
7.
Probably the most valuable tool in attracting martins is the use of the Dawnsong.
Here is a Radio Shack powerhorn shooting skyward to beckon would be inhabitants.
I play the Dawnsong until noon and again in the pre-roosting hours before dusk.
8. How about a few fake holes on the sides of the housing. Martins are attracted to these dark, round circles. You will laugh as you see them trying to enter them. Don't worry, the martins won't get hurt. They always land feet first and they just slide down the sides of the house.
9. Last, but not least, is what you don't see. A good dose of prayer never hurts. I have always said, "He who led the animals into the ark can bring martins to my site".
Good luck and God bless. -- Dick Wallace
