Purple Martin Forum

Emil, I've got a nest box trap I can use but I've had it closed because the BB's were interested in it. I think they've found housing so I'll open that up. I have a Chuck Abare trap too but I will have to make the hole bigger to accommodate them. It's currently right next to the houses but I think I...

Dang these mutant Texas starlings! I saw a pair force their way into my WDC entrances last evening. They are installed on my Lone Star Alamo. Do I have my porches too low? They sit about 1/4" below the entrance. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make it more difficult for them to get in? Th...

Thanks, Louise. I hope we don't have to use them again this season but this is Texas and I expect at least another cold spell before Easter. I ordered 1000 and will freeze them. I bet my bluebirds will eat them too! I ran to PetsMart and got several dozen when this weather didn't let up but the thre...

How long can you keep the crickets frozen? Will they last until next season? Thanks.

Peggy

I agree, Dale. I had a glimpse on Friday when a male landed on the house, saw him several times on Saturday and nothing since!! I can't catch him coming in for the evening. Maybe he is roosting in the trees or just kept going. Taking a day off work sounds like a perfect idea to me! Peggy

Sure, but it's not absolutely necessary. I have several Big Bo's and I like the inside porch. The only problem I have had with them is that if you don't put enough nesting material in there then eggs can and do roll up under the porch if the female doesn't make a good nest bowl. I found that several...

If you have starlings put them flush. They seems to keep them from being able to get a grip and turn sideways to get in. The PM's can enter just fine.

Birdlady, if you like small birds and are worried about sparrows make some wren houses. I believe the hole is 1" (not sure) and much too small for any pest bird. Chickadees and titmice will also welcome houses with smaller holes. I have several bluebird houses that don't seem to be of interest to S&...

Birdlady, the sparrows will come right back. They're not nesting this time of year but will begin looking soon, so be sure to close up most if not all of the holes until you see a PM investigating your house. Cleaning will be nasty and if you are allergic use a face mask. Wear gloves too. Just dispo...

Emil, I've not had to supplemental feed in the years past but it is so dry now and our ponds & lakes are slowing drying up I am afraid what is going to happen. I maybe worrying for nothing but the weather service is not hopeful that it is going to break anytime in the near future. As last summer end...

What will be the effect of our current drought situation in Texas for our returning birds? Isn't this going to effect the bug population? I've not experienced a drought as a landlord until now.

Do you think we should start supplemental feeding from day one? Any suggestions? Thanks Peggy

Hey Laverne, I guessed I missed your earlier post. I'd hate to have been in your shoes, my day at the farm would have been ruined! Regards the SREH, on the Lone Stars they are flush with the porch. I agree 1/2" is too low and gives them wiggle room to get in. I did try to add a piece of wooden yard ...

Dale, I'll get my husband to check the holes, he has calipers. They are the original Alamo doors with SREH's so you might be right. This is the first year they've entered that house and I've had it several seasons. Last year I was successful in trapping more than 10 starlings in a nestbox trap but t...

I've never really had a bad starling problem until this year. Even with the SREHs on my Alamo the occupancy rate was 50% in that house this year. Down from 85% last year. Mid season I did get the WDC entrances installed but the starlings had apparently already done the damage and sent pairs elsewher...