Purple Martin Forum

If this is your first year, I can attest to the fact that it is probably the most emotional :-). Everytime I saw a martin nearby I would watch and wait and then feel terribly down when they didn't come to my house. Then if they did come but not stay, it was worse! I would sit at the window for what ...

Thank you for the replies and the encouragement! None stayed last night but the male was back this morning. He was alone in the gourd for a while. Then he left and now he is back and has enticed a female inside with him :-). I hope this is it.

They arrived this morning, two ASY males and two sub-adult (I think) females. And get this. I'm pretty sure the one ASY male is the same one that lost his mate at my site last year to the snake attack. He acts just like him. He went directly to the same gourd (which I replaced with a new one exactly...

I have one (or maybe more) that also do a martin call along with about every other type of bird that hangs around our back yard :-). The only thing that helps me to know its a mockingbird is that he only does it for a short time then quickly changes to another bird call. The funniest thing that ever...

Dale,
Thank you for posting that picture. It is great!!! Now others on the forum that have never seen them can see why we love them so much :-).
Sharon

We have our returning pair of Barnies rebuilding their nest on our front porch as I type. I love having them. They are such enchanting little birds and their chatter is adorable. They are quite used to us now as they have built on our front porch and our back porch in the past. They are tremendously...

Bumping again :-).
Sharon

I got to see it this morning too A.P. I recorded it so I can keep it for future viewing. Great place Tony. When I hear of so many martin houses, I always try to visualize what it must look like and I did a pretty good job this time EXCEPT I didn't expect any martin houses in the front yard :-). Very...

Hello Friend in Segiun,
I found the station on our satellite and have set it to record. Am anxiously awaiting to see the show. It sounds like a keeper. Thanks for letting us know Tony.
Sharon

RobNDebbie, Not ALL us TX people have martins so don't be totally jealous :-). I'm in my third year. Last year I had my first martin couple and 6 darling babies. But then a snake got up there and that was it. So no martins yet for me this year. Hopefully when the subbies start to arrive, they won't ...

We have had good luck with the nest box as well EXCEPT when it is windy. And that is fairly often where I live. We have adjusted it several times trying to find that "right" position. But when its tight enough that the wind doesn't trip it, then when a bird enters it doesn't close either. If its loo...

Lanelle,
This will be your year. I just feel it!!! If you don't get any in Katy (and I think you will), you'll want to spend ALL your time at the lake :-). Enjoy.
It's your turn finally.
Sharon

Sorry about posting about this subject twice. I scrolled down to the bottom of the first page thinking that was the last message on this topic. Once my second answer came up I realized there were TWO pages on this topic :-). That's what happens when one doesn't pay attention!
Sharon

Once you have martins residing at your site, you no longer need the dawn song. The live birds are far more effective in attracting the subbies. And I have heard the DS may frighten or confuse your existing birds.
Sharon

Ken,
The martins you presently have will do the best job in attracting the sub adults. You no longer should be playing the Dawn Song once you have martins occupying your site.

Dave,
Did you giver her my address
Sharon

Kenneth,
We have the horizontals under our quad pod housing and have the specially made tunnel entrances for them with the WDC opening. I have seen starlings try several times to get in and they have been unsuccessful. The openings are also made by Andy Troyer.
Sharon

Jan, I have a Crossman Air Gun with a scope on it and it is very accurate. I am not an experienced shooter but I can take out a HS or Starling on my set-up without a problem as long as I have a steady arm :-). So if I can do it with accuracy, someone with experience definitely won't have a problem. ...

Hi Birdlady, There are definitely PM's in Central TX. Although I have not seen any yet at my site, there are many established landlords within a few miles of me whose birds are coming in. Let us know if yours came back to spend the night. Is this your first year? It is very exciting but also sometim...

John,
Thank you so much for the update. I haven't seen one martin out over the lake thus far, so hopefully this week they'll start finding their way here. I enjoyed your pictures and wish you continued success.
Sharon