Purple Martin Forum

We have a bull sparrow that I am stalking right now....NEVER let it cross your mind that sparrows might help attract birds to your place. Arrgh...I can hear him call but he's too quick. He wants a compartment that a lovely sy pair have been staying in. Got to get him before they start laying eggs. ...

Thanks Anthony. We have also learned that when the jays/martins all start making a fuss, there is a reason!

I live in Florida and I also used 2 inch vents. Half were white plastic and the other half were white aluminum, because that's what I could find. They all fit nice and tight. I'm very happy with them. The martins don't seem to mind at all that they let a little light in. My new colony is doing great...

Forum Admin,
I was recently out of town and went 9 days without a nest check. I am now back to regular checks. Would my data be rejected if all other data was provided? My counts were pretty consistant when I returned with my counts before.
- Judy

Tim, The Martin Watch Study recommends nest checks every 5 - 7 days apart. You should also stop nest checks for nests that are getting close to fledging, but should do a final nest check after fledging to verify all birds survived to fledge. I really like filling out the log sheet as it gives a sing...

Looks beautiful! Great location!

Mitch, It sounds like you are doing everything right. You really shouldn't consider giving up!!! The problem with TS and BB only occur if they try to take the martin housing. From my personal experience, and what I have read about TS, I believe that TS are more difficult to deal with than BB. I am i...

tbone8705, Welcome to the forum! Do not close your housing until all martins have migrated south. This years fledglings will be investigating housing trying to locate housing for next year. Read everything you can about how to attract martins and make sure that by start of next season, you are meeti...

Bob, You could try improving it, but be prepared that the mother bird may not be ready to become a mother yet and may not incubate the eggs. Our T-14 had 2 very beautiful nests this year, that currently have 9 hatch-lings. It also had 5 other cavities that had a total of 8 eggs which were on bare wo...

Great picture Kyler. It sure makes identification as an SY male easy! It sure looks like you are getting some good results this year!
- Judy

Very interesting house. I hope it works out for you! Let us know.
- Judy

I can't speak for bbs in your area, but in Florida, ours have just started feeding their first brood of the season. Last year, they had 3 broods going well into the fall months. I think you have time.
- Judy

Congratulations! Hope you find many more when you finish checking all of your poles!
- Judy

Sharon, Also try the dawn song for an hour in the morning on occassion. For me about 9 - 10 am worked to get visitors to look. I never had any come in when I played the daytime chatter. Might be since the dawn song worked so well that I never went through the trouble to play the chatter after using ...

Jose, I had the same thing happen. One evening all 8 martins were dive bombing the decoys. All at once they returned to the house. It occured to me later that night that maybe a snake was on the house. It was now dark so we couldn't lower the house. The next day, a nest check revealed that everythin...

Great to hear Mick! It sounds like you're site is really taking off! Happy birthday!
- Judy

Good to hear your site got a thumbs up from Larry and Judy! I'm watching for your post when the martins make it your way!
- Judy

Tim, Congratulations on getting a pair at your home site! Hopefully they will bring in some friends to join them. You have a beautiful site!
- Judy

Great to hear! I enjoy reading about your martin adventures! Keep us informed!
- Judy

Beautiful pictures as always! Congratulations on growing your colony!
- Judy