Purple Martin Forum

What works best for me is a screw type hose clamp. If you are not familiar with them go to a hardware store or auto parts store and ask for one. I tighten the clamp down tight on the perch. As you tighten it there is excess strap that sticks out and I then shoot a small screw threw the strap into t...

I've had a large number of birds passing through this morning. All sitting on the racks, checking things out, and chattering away. I was kind of surprised to see so many. I wonder how the recent heavy rains and winds have effected their trip south to roosting sites?

I have had no need for Facebook yet. If this place didn't exist, I'd go to the library.

Brad Biddle wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 17, 2019 9:32 pm

Dave Reynolds wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 17, 2019 7:46 pm

ya all

Dave

Dave, while I appreciate your attempt to sound southern that was a pretty bad attempt. LOL

Y'all
Yall
You all

Just for future reference.

Still have a few passing through, maybe staying a night. I see some in the mornings hanging out. I hear the occasional overhead during the day.
Still seems way too quite.

I use the S&K decoys and this year I used plumber's strap in various ways. I just made a loop around the perch and left enough length to attach it to the bird. The strap can be bent into position easily and allows the decoy to move a bit with the breeze. I also started using short pieces of cond...

I think he is using what he's using because it's what he has. If you have, use it. No need to throw it away.

Yep, a template and router would make quick work of that if you use the plastic. I would think that attaching the ones you have to a backer of MDF with the hole cut to slightly smaller dimensions, drilling a hole and then using a scroll saw would work. Then, take it off the smaller template, put it ...

We live in an agricultural area where the farmers tend to use chicken manure for fertilizer. This causes us fly problems, particularly following a wet winter like the one we had this year. We all know that blow flies are a threat to martins, as well as other birds. If you are looking for a great, pa...

That's great to hear! They will remember your spot and see you next year, hopefully. If we all had the same perseverance those suckers had, we'd all have it made.

The birds and I just fended off another hawk attack, me with my air horn....them with their dive bombing and alarm sounding. He or she left empty-taloned. I'm fairly certain this particular hawk has a nest around a half mile or so the the west of me in a tree line. Every time it has made its retreat...

Brad, You're not the first person from our area who I have heard had that issue. I'm from near Huntsville, but out in the country. Steve, I think we have a lot more gourds compared to houses around here. Of course, that is just from what I have seen when out riding. I will have to make it a point to...

We have used gourds for 20 years or more with success. However, I have always liked the looks of a well-made house. What makes me balk at actually building a house is the doubt of it being used. Those with experience, how readily did your birds take to houses when they were accustomed to gourds? I s...

BumBee wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 26, 2019 8:19 pm

Morgan,
The hawk/owl guard can be made to look a five sided box. Hang it up side down that allows
the PM to slide in/out of it when the PM house raised and lowered. If a bottom screen is needed,
this part has to be attached to the bottom pf the PM house.

There you have it. I will take two!

I haven't looked a lot into a permanently-attached hawk guard, but I may have to if I keep having troubles with hawks as well. Your design with the perch attached to the pole and not the house looks to be ready made for something of the sort. Build the house to raise to the guard, where the natural ...

This design looks like it would be simple enough to fit some sort of hawk guard attachement off of the perch assembly. It would provide some form of protection against hawk attacks on the housing as well as provide the perch.

I've had quite a few leave this week as well in north AL. They have all been ASY pairs who fledged their young first. They get out of dodge fast once the young start to fly well enough. I still have a good many, particularly on the pole that was filled up later, that are nearing fledging in the next...

Those will work just fine. I have some just like them. I suspect those were made by Sandy Bunn in NC. I don’t know if he still sells them or not. They are made from Sintra, a product made from PVC. You can make porches from vinyl siding and glue them on with PVC glue. You can also get Sintra or a v...

I have battled a hawk or two all season as well. I haven't witnessed one take a martin, but they try a time or two every day. I have had hawk issues for the past 4 or 5 years, and I will say that the martins seem to get better and better at fending them off with each season. I agree that an abundanc...

Respect for oneself and others is the best beauty tip I can give you. Know it, foster it, and let it guide you in your day-to-day interactions. Don't let the shallowness of others grind you down to a person with no respect for your own self-worth. Respect yourself first, and you will gain respect fr...