Purple Martin Forum

Asop,
So the screen didn't work? And the martins, did they return? How are you handling it now?
Brent

Beautiful. I love it. Must be incredible to see and hear. Have a great season.
Brent

Dave is there any thing that can be done? I can't stay up at night and patrol. The best I can do is the scarecrow and some lights. I am considering the night guard solar lights used to ward off unwanted animals. They blink on and off.
Brent

Thanks Whippy. Wow what a video. I'm trying to be proactive and read that owls do not like human presence and it was suggested that a scarecrow be used. In the same article it mentioned that they didn't like lights either. So, I thought a lighted scarecrow might be what I need.
Brent

Need to know, please. Anyone with experience on this?
Brent

Hi everyone,
I'm wondering if illuminating my scarecrow at night with a solar light would stress the martins. Anyone with that experience? Let me know.
Thanks, Brent.

Colliemom, can you attach a picture of the lights you use? I'm interested. Thanks.
Brent

I want to share my experience. The first time I used decoys the intent was to deflect a hawk attack. The martins were already here when I put the decoys up and boy did I learn that once they are home introducing the decoys was not a good idea. They squawked and fussed and dive bombed the decoys like...

Will do. Thanks Whippy.

Hi everyone,
I saw a Great Horned Owl perched in a tree not far from my bird houses tonight. I read somewhere that setting up a scarecrow and putting a light on it would help deter the owl. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks, Brent

Good post. I lowered my houses. Hope it doesn't get as bad as predicted.
Brent

I think it's the beginning of a colony. Good luck!
Brent

Hi everyone. I never had problems with snakes but I intend to put bird netting guards this year. Is it better to put it above the pole guard or below? The reason I ask is because I'm concerned the martins might get tangled in it.
Brent

Yes C.C.Martins, I thought the same thing. I saw some of my birds tearing off tender green leaves from my mulberry tree and then bringing them to their nest. I'll nest check tomorrow or Tuesday and will especially look for the leaves. Maybe there will be eggs. Hawks are still a problem. I'm out ever...

Well alright! What a great feeling. Nothing like it. It's a connection that's hard to describe. Happy for you. More to come. Keep us posted.
Brent

SSMartin, I see that the leaves in the nest are brown. During my 1st check I noticed brown leaves in the nest so I guess it's not always green leaves.🙂 Mwren, after this year's freezing cold I wish I could train my birds to take tossed crickets. I tried but no takers. Glad to hear that yours are tra...

Wow! Lots of young ones on the way. My 2nd check will be Monday. Not sure what to expect. They arrived early but nest building late this year. Could have been the cold. Happy Easter to you too.

Nice. Mine are nest building. Great pictures. Thanks.
Brent

I know exactly what you're saying. I say that they're coming to say hello. They want to be around us as we want to be around them. I've come to expect it. It does flatter me and I cherish it.
Brent

I run after them with a mardi gras garland attached to a tomato stake. I throw it at them. It has helped. Also, I use a sling shot making sure no martins or animals are in the target range. They don't like that either.
Brent