Purple Martin Forum

The first year we were surprised by the starlings and it was too late to do anything. The second year we added the Lewis modifications, and that did not work. The third year we bought the standard SREH from the Purple Martin shop and they breached two of those (out of 8) and defended the house. We h...

Greetings Forum, We have been trying to attract a purple martin colony for the last four years. Even though we have added all the anti-starling modifications, we can’t keep them out of the house. Unfortunately we have concluded that we should relocate the house this year before those damn starlings ...

Hello Group, As per earlier posts I tried everything over the last two years to discourage starlings (short of shooting them). Unfortunately they have become established and nothing, really nothing, can stop them. It’s our fault for not acting faster the first year. I think the only way is to reloca...

Here we are in 2021! Thanks to all the folks who made suggestions last year. I completed all the modifications and NO STARLINGS made it into the house. I checked the compartments this year and they were clear. Unfortunately due to the lock-down and delayed delivery of parts I was too late for the Ma...

Still no sign of Martins. I saw another Starling try to get in today! Well, we are ready for next year.

Good news is that the starlings have given up. Less good news is that there are no signs of Martins. At least we are ready for next year’s season. I’ll keep it up there and keep an eye out. I’ve not given up.

Thanks for all the help.

Alan

Update: No starlings have managed to get into the modified entrances so far. I have still seen a few hanging around, but they soon leave. Unfortunately, I have not seen so many purple martins looking either. There were a few last week when the starlings were still finding their way in. And I did see...

So far, so good. Th starlings have not yet managed to breach any of the entrances as far as I can tell. They are still hanging around, but I am hoping that they will give up soon.

I have made the modifications to all the entrances. Three of the boxes with the original modifications contained a lot of nest materials. The starlings can no longer get into the lowered WEP, and I have seen them dumping nest materials in disgust after failing to get in. All good signs. I have attac...

I can confirm that the Starlings don’t seem to be able to enter the Conley II with the Lewis mod that includes the WEP arch flush with the top center of the Conley PLUS the raised step (made of nylon). We will see if the purple Martins can get in. I really hope so. I’m planning to modify all the oth...

I can’t seem to post images again!

So I tried a compromise in that I made sure that most of the steps go all the way up to the bottom of the Conley II entrances. I cut a grove in the nylon to clear the ‘d’ shape at the bottom. I hope this does the trick. They are all currently blocked until the goop plumbers adhesive sets tomorrow. T...

I have modified the first entrance. Mark pls check e-mail for picture. I will try to post here too. I attach images below but can never see them myself.

Please confirm this is oK and I will modify all. I used a 1/2” pipe slice and I note you recommend 3/4”. I can change that.

Alan

I edited it.

How about I pop down to 'The Depot' and buy some 3" PVC pipe and modify as recommended? E-mail me.

Alan

That's great. I am happy to pay for these. If I order through the Purple Martin shop it will take 10 days.

Alan

I have now seen two starlings going in and out through the Conley II entrances with the porch step all the way up to the bottom of the plastic entrance. It's a struggle for them but they make it. And are clearly bringing nesting materials. I will take down the box tonight and block all entrances. Wh...

I think I may have screwed up with one of my postings as I don't see it here. The house I made has 8 condos (modified from 16 in the original design). The raised steps are made of untreated cedar, so very rough. I can make them smoother or add a plastic cover. I think the starlings have given up but...

Well it’s amazing. There is at least one starling who has managed to get into the modified entrance. It take them a LOT of effort and they have a hell of a time getting out again. I assume they will give up at some point? It would NOT work for a nest for them I think.

Sorry for the delay. We were grounded due to both having COVID 19 symptoms (And the house is at my son’s place), but turns out we tested OK. So I have only completed the modifications today. Too late for this year I fear, but I have cranked up the house to test it for the remainder of the year. The ...