Purple Martin Forum

Yes that is a young eagle, they get white heads/tail about 4 1/2- 5 years old. Beautiful bird and we see them quite regularly here in “thumb” of Michigan.

Congrats Dan, good first year. We’ve been doing martins for about 40 years and have no idea regarding deaths.

Yes, I world say increase to 6 next year then evaluate further additions.

I have 14 chirpy nests and they were 100% used this year. The birds and I like them. I also have aluminum 6x12 houses and artificial gourds that are well received. I think if well maintained and cleaned yearly they all do just fine from the bird’s perspective. Michigan location. Fledged 250 this yea...

Mites! We had one gourd absolutely covered with mites, no other of 60 nests. Put in insecticide and check 2days later. One dead chick and all mites gone. Surprised how fast it worked. Dusted other nests .

Yes, we’ve been using chirpy nests for 3-4 years now. We like them a lot but more importantly the martins like them. We have 24 now and 18 aluminum houses, and 6 plastic gourds. 48 houses and we usually have 33 pairs each year and fledge 150-160 . Have been doing this for about 40 years. We are in t...

I also would use position B for similar reasons. We’ve had martins successfully for 30+ years, welcome.

This has been only our second year as active landlords, prior 25 years we were busy raising family and work. Just put up houses and cleaned after season. Last year we had 15 nests with 60 plus fledged, this year we had 32 nests with 118 fledged. Very happy with nest mite and sparrow control. Martins...

Les from Michigan, most of 2019 brood left already (about 105 ) with another 13 young still hanging around. This week should complete with 5 more to fledge. Really good year with 124 hatched and 118 fledged. The first group left within 1-2 days and the later 1 week so far. Fun, fun stuff.

Just finished 2018 season. Have been inactive landlords for about 20 years, now active. 15 active nests, 66 live, 60 fledged.
Used Sevin first time for nest mites, worked well. All metal houses, 5x11 boxes, crescent openings, only 1 artificial gourd used.
Really enjoyed them this year.