From my own experience this is what I had to do. I had a beautiful 16 compartment house my brother-in law made me. It was up for 2 years and martins would just fly around it but nothing else. People say and I agree with them that martins don't like new. They like for your houses to look used and old...

This is what I have and has worked well for 5 + years. This is a great way to add a ground sleeve for a round pole. I would highly recommend schedule 80 for your main steel pole if you go this way, they do come in 21 foot sections. Here is the link and path for "Ground Socket". http://www.chuckspurp...

Yes it happened to me. She remained on the nest for 3+ extra weeks . The male stayed there and was busy bringing leaves in. I had a camera in the gourd so I could see everything going on. Finally one day the female was gone. She never came back, the male stayed around any left with the other martins...

I think what you have looks great. Maybe too new, Martins like old and used. I will say when I was having problems have Martins come to my new PM houses here is what I did. I drove around and looked to see what my closest neighbors (with Martins) were using for housing. In my area they were using Su...

I have a camera in my Super Gourd under my 16 compartment house.
This is how I security the cable at the house.

It has been sow long since I bought the brake winch that I use for my current T-14. It is a Dutton-Laison and has worked fine for many years. I see they have 600 lbs, 800, 1200, 2500. I know the T14 will weigh less then 150 pounds or so, but for some reason I was thinking it was recommended to get ...

Martins took right to my nest trays. Last year was the first year, I added more for this year. Makes nest cleaning much easier.
Richard

For posting photos give this a try.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... =2&t=32984
Richard

Give Mr Clean Magic Eraser a try.
They are amazing!!!!!!

Very well done!!

About half of my gourds had venting pvc ell's on them, at the end of this year I took the rest and added ell's. It has to help and the cost is minimum, takes a little time but not bad. Anything to keep the babies a little cooler is a plus!
Richard

I see the link did not go through.
PM sent to your email.
Richard

https://link not allowed.com/nylon-pus ... 8f5vuuug37

I saw these two weeks ago when I was looking for gourds. Are these the Push Pins you are looking for?
Let me know if you are not able to open link.
Richard

TheSmiths, thanks for the info. I'm like you, I would either forget the drill or the battery would run out during checks. I have 6 poles with houses and gourds I manage. Yes, I could put the handle back on but it would be terribly slow and not fun. I've got enough stuff I haul out to the colony alr...

Thanks Spiderman,
Hate to hear that, i would think there would be more people.
I will check with the Game Commission and see what they say.
Thank you for your reply.
Richard

How do I find someone to band my fledgling for next year? I live close to Harrisonburg VA.
Any thoughts or comments?
Thanks Richard

This is what I use. I am lifting about 200# this is a 2000# winch. Go to. https://www.dutton-lainson.com/proddetail.php?prod=11001 Product ID: 11001 WG2000 w/HEX drive, bronze Cable capacities: 7/32 in (up to 82 ft)... 1/4 in (up to 59 ft)... 9/32 in (up to 49 ft). Special reel required for 9/32 cab...

First of all what a great looking set up you have and I know you have a tremendous amount of time and money invested in your set up. From my own experience this is what I had to do. I had a beautiful 16 compartment house my brother-in law made me. It was up for 2 years and martins would just fly aro...

https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/view ... 81#p267881

This has worked for me hope it helps you.
Like your set up. Looks Great!!
I have a Chuck Abare 16 compartment house. Finally had 4 pair fledged babies from Chucks house.

Richard

Is this event on for today? Web site does not say it's canceled.
Anyone with info please reply.
Thanks
Richard