Purple Martin Forum

We have used a modified worm gear winch for 5 years now. It has never failed! We hosted 59 pair in 2017. The very smooth operation allows nest checks all the way to fledgling. No jerking or sudden drops keeps growing nestling calm! Consistent checks conditions nestling to the routine so they expect ...

Hi Doug, Every year I host many transit birds. They stay anywhere from a few days to a week or more. We already have 60 birds back and nest building is heavy. Yesterday, I identified positively, our first SY Male Martin. He is fighting with the ASY Males over gourds. I am full up right now but hope ...

Sharon,
For the big 48" gourd...Don't discard...Cut it in half, use a 1/8" divider wooden divider. Make a duplex with 2 separate entrances and access ports.

Just a thought,
Debbie

Nicely done Sharon!
Best wishes for a positive 2017 martin season!

Debbie

Hi DeFed, Bluebirds have stopped many new martin colonies from getting off the ground. They are extremely territorial and defend their domain ruthlessly! A new start up colony must put enough distance from the martin rack to the bluebird nest...mine are almost 100 feet away!. They do offer a quick e...

Wow James,
What a smashing report! You totally hit it out of the park!
Best wishes for a great year in 2017!
You are on a roll now...don't let up!

Debbie

Toy, What a great thread! You are truly a great inspiration! While we...down south LOL Didn't experience quite your level of trama...I lost 22 eggs due of cold and 32 nestlings to rain...Still, we flip crickets or put them on porches or whatever they need because we flat love them and want them in o...

Great report Doug, Glad to hear your colony with your superior support weathered the cold, rainy weather. We are doing okay this year. 100% occupancy, 58 gourds with 58 pair. We did lose 32 young to the cold, wet extended weather event . Offered crickets but there were no takers. We have 191 current...

Good Deal Toy,

You take special care of your colony. They appreciate it of course. It is tough and not to be underestimated. I appreciate your detailed descriptions and your passion for your birds!

Wishing you a great and deserved successful season!
Debbie

You know I am in Kathy!
Such a beautiful setting...way way off the road! Quiet, martins galore!
What's not to love! Plus you can talk with fellow martineers and share practices, gourd modifications, talk about predator protection, etc! It is definately worth the trip!
Hope to see you there!

Tony,
You have been to quiet this year! How are you doing and did you get returning martins this year?

Hi Rodger, Yes we do seem to have smaller starlings in NC! Please consider a repeating trap, troyer inspired! We have already caught 35 since January 1st this year. 10, this week! Our smaller starlings pushed us to mostly excluder 2 entrances. The martins are enjoying less starling pressure this yea...

Good Luck Sharon,
To try is to be!
Have a great season! Let us know if the gourds are successful!

This is the hardest lesson for us all. Nature and survival of the fitest. We modify, build cages, invent new deeper entrances, use air horns and whatever comes to hand. My husband always reminds me if you have something, you can lose it! We strive to protect the nests, but we cannot control their en...

Great News Doug,
So glad you can finally enjoy them again!
Have a great and fruitful 2016 season!
Debbie

Hi Cranzy,
Those gourds look great! The martins will use them no problem! We use several ourselves...all are taken each year...great protection!
Great job!
Debbie

Congratulations Kathy,
Have a great season! They are trending early this year! Folks need to be ready as our weather is unpredictable as usual!
Keep us posted!
Debbie

Hi MichaelH, I can't speak for Mr. dickinson but I can speak from my own experiences. We have had martins arrivw way early with mornings below freezing and afternoons in the mid 30's. The martins do okay for a few days. After that you must be in a position to supplemental feed or lose your birds. Ca...

Hi James, Love reading about your growing colony! We have Troyer Horizontals and verticals on our racks for 4 years with zero cracking, splitting or other issues. Our only complaint has been moisture wicking in causing mildew and some wet nests leading to mites and mildew. No structural issues. Last...

Oh Emil,
Didn't see your scout report this year. Wishing you a very successful 2016 martin season!