Purple Martin Forum

Good answer Dave. A master bander doesn’t just come out to your house and band the birds for the sake of doing it. It’s research that help them track and keep up with the birds numbers and health. The master bander that came to my colony today also brought two park rangers from a near by wildlife sa...

Well we completed the baby Martin banding today we were able to band 20 young Martins today. The master bander will be back next week to band the birds that were to small to band on this trip. So in some way I really hope that this helps in the research of these birds in the future. Maybe next year ...

Hey Diane you would have to look on line in the state that you live in. And some time you can check with wildlife sanctuaries as well as bird watching sanctuaries. They usually have yearly banding at those sights maybe they could get you a couple of numbers. I hope you fined someone. Have good seaso...

Came outside today around 4 and found 2 Martins in my repeating sparrow/starling trap. Never had this happen before has anyone else seen this happen.

I’m am filling very fortunate. Very blessed that he will take the time to do this for me. Years ago my wife setup a secret birthday party for me at his house To take part in a hummingbird banding that he does at his house. It was great getting to help him on those tiny birds. But to have him come to...

Hey everyone I just spoke to a master bird bander he advised me that he will be stopping by my PM colony next Monday to band some of my young Martins. I have 26 cavities with eggs and young birds. I’m hoping he will be able to band the birds that will be hatching later down the road. He is 1 of only...

Where is the largest roosting site in the state of Tennessee. I was hoping to try and go see it this fall. Thanks for any assistance.

Hey Duckcamp I would go ahead and put it up right now. Think positive the Martins when they migrate south will see and even stop in and look at your new rack. They may choose to return to it next year especially the SYs. Have a great season and stay positive that your colony will grow next year.

I went out to do nurse checks today and I found an egg on the porch of one of the gourds kind of dirty looking. Should I put it back in the gourd or leave it alone I know sometimes the Martin’s know if the egg is bad or not and will remove it just wondering what to do thanks I went out to do nurse c...

Have you tried putting mirrors in the back of the gourds or compartments and a couple of decoys in a few of the compartments are gourds. You can also smear mud on your porch is an entrance and just inside the entrance to make your gourd look like it has been used before. As far as the dawn song I pu...

I prefer the houses closer to my home for viewing. If you could move them closer to your home and it would possibly put the house further from trees that’s always good. Can you post a photo from above that shows the layout of your yard it would help. Pre nest the compartments with pine needles and g...

Its James but it’s a good possibility that we talked. I had a lot of help from folks on the forum over the last 5 years. And I appreciate each and everyone of them. God bless and have a good season one and all.

It’s been a great year so far I have more than doubled my numbers from last year. Had 10 nesting pair last year so far this year 22 nesting pair and I found babies today. And the best part they’re still building more nests that is the SYs are. Have the potential of having 30 this year as far a looki...

Their fruit trees that their getting them from with fruit on them. Don’t believe it will hurt the trees just funny watching them attacking those trees and ripping the leaves off. So far I’m up to 13 nest with eggs. Many nest with leave but no eggs yet.

Hey has anyone seen their Martins using the leaves from a pear or peach tree to line the nest. All of my Martin seem to be swarming my peach and pear trees and taking leaves from them to fill their nest never seen them do that before.

Well that’s a little to far for me to be able to help you but there are several Martin landlords in that area. I hope you can get a mentor in that area to assist you. Have a great season GO VOLS!!!

Hey White-Out I live just North of Knoxville TN and my SY birds are just really getting into the nest building for the past week no eggs but should be in a couple of weeks I guess. It also looks like the SYs are still migrating north. So I would think you still have time. Have a great season.

Hey JeremyL what part of Tennessee do you live in. I was never able to get a mentor here in East Tn. But if you live in my neck of the Tennessee woods I am willing to assist you in any way I can. If not you are in the right place for lots of helpful ideas form the many long time landlords On this fo...

Thanks guys for all the great responses and ideas. That’s one thing I really like about this foreign matter what question do you always get an answer or two or suggestions on what to do and what not to do. I’ve been an active landlord for four years first year no nursing just birds staying overnight...

Hi folks I have a mix of 12 Bo9s and 12 supergourds the really big ones. But I also started with the Bo9s and the Martins seem to like them Pretty well. I added 12 TH and the are starting to use them but the the Bo9s seem to be the first to fill up each year. And for the price a really nice Durable ...