Purple Martin Forum

I do nest replacements in Iowa because of mites. I use pine needles. I am interested in knowing what others use and if others do nest replacements for mites. I also wonder what people are using for replacement material. I have never seen blow fly larvae.

Off season we put plugs in our house and remove gourds. We also lower the house because here in Iowa we have a lot of high winds. This year a neighbor put up a Martin house a yard from ours. It was nice to have him battle the sparrows and they seemed to leave us alone. But now we have a few annoying...

DML It sounded to me like you were wanting advise on recognizing what type of bird it was. Of course a blue jay is an obvious difference and size comment made me think of starlings. Starlings are black with a yellow beak and have tried to nest at one time in my house. PMCA has some great information...

DML It sounded to me like you were wanting advise on recognizing what type of bird it was. Of course a blue jay is an obvious difference and size comment made me think of starlings. Starlings are black with a yellow beak and have tried to nest at one time in my house. PMCA has some great information...

I am just trying to talk to someone here. Get some help with my colony. One sparrow is tenacious and I am weary and ready to commit murder. Ordered a pellet gun with a scope.

I am trying to figure out how to post on this forum...newbie here. I have had small scale Martin success for years and always deal with sparrows. This year I have tons of Martins...well I have 8 compartments 4 that are two bedroom. One bottom 2 bedroom always has the sparrow nest with eggs that I di...

Lisa....a fellow sparrow hater here......I just ordered 2 gourds and a trap. I plan to hang 2 gourds (1st time) under my existing house which I raise and lower with a pully system (not the deluxe type) I am wondering if anyone has info. for me as I would like to trap a sparrow in the housing but can...

I just ordered 2 gourds and a trap. I plan to hang 2 gourds (1st time) under my existing house which I raise and lower with a pully system (not the deluxe type) I am wondering if anyone has info. for me as I would like to trap a sparrow in the housing but can't find a trap that works. I tried two on...

I am in Carroll, Iowa somewhat upper half of state. The Martins came last week. It is always such a joy to hear their chatter. I bought some sparrow traps because I have some very determined sparrows and last year I am sure one of the eggs was pierced by a sparrow! I had the holes plugged until the ...

That first visit to your site has to be the most exciting moment for a purple landlord. I will never forget exactly where I was and the feeling I had. I was ecstatic. Then when we moved and I tried establishing again it took two years and I remember looking out at my house and just saying, " Wh...

I only have one house. I was having trouble getting Martins until last year when I plugged up some entrances and created larger compartments as I removed the plug in the connecting wall. I really think that is why they liked the sight. Who knows but I was so ecstatic as all of us enthusiasts are. I ...

I had left my house low in the off season. Well I decided the Martins will soon be here so I unplugged the few I had plugged and cleared out a few large nests! Sparrows...I guessed, and raised the house. At first I saw what I thought was an immature grackle on top of the house with its parents comin...

I am trying to figure out how to post a new topic here so will reply to you. The Martins are arriving here in Carroll Iowa I am sure soon. I have not seen any but put my house up and for the first time had some aggressive starlings jump all over it making nests! I am sure they will keep the returnin...