Purple Martin Forum

Hi Linda! Lol I saw her coming and going for 2 days checking out gourds and the house. I’m at work and haven’t gotten to see the morning activity the past couple days but haven’t seen her come in at sunset. It’s fast and furious at sunset so I may have missed her coming in.. I’ll definitely be watch...

The Troyers should have the WEPS on them already. If memory serves me, some of the older Troyer gourds didn’t have them but I could be wrong…. Look on the inside of the entrance and you’ll see where it’s thicker.. That’s the WEPS. I have all Troyer so unfamiliar with the S&K. I’m sure others wil...

First congrats on a successful season last year! April 15th sounds about right to me. I’d put it up and keep the holes plugged till some Martins show up. You can also look at the Scout Arrival Study’s previous years for your location and see when they normally begin showing up in your area. You’ll f...

Congrats to you all with your first arrivals! SO exciting! Wishing everyone a great 2025 season!
Phil

Thanks Linda and Rob.
Congrats on your first SY showing up today Rob! Glad you have some room left for them to go so they stay out of the ASY’s hair for a bit… lol Sorry about the hawk attack, so annoying.. Glad he didn’t get any birds though. I hope you find his perching spot very soon!
Phil

Thanks Tom! She is pretty! She was back this morning. I could see her from my lanai.. Can’t miss her, she looks like a purple Q-tip.. And when she’s flying looks like she’s half Martin, half eagle… lol She’s been going to the house, so maybe one of my house martins this season. I think I still have ...

Raccoon Martin

The younger ASY’s sure do act like subbies. Weather was rainy and windy today, they stuck close and I didn’t see any subbies so maybe an over zealous young ASY.. I did have a really odd looking female show up today. White head and dark, racoon looking eyes… Took some picks with my phone so kinda gra...

Thanks Linda, Good evening to you as well. Sounds great, let us know when the bluebirds take to the box and how it goes for you? Good luck this season, hope you fill up!
Phil

Yikes! Here comes trouble! lol Sign of a healthy colony though.. Congrats! Funny you mentioned thinking it was some females arriving. I was thinking the same thing but I have one that sure is acting like a subbie yesterday and today, Crazy teenager flying… Haven’t been able to get a good look, only ...

I keep mine a couple feet down all season. When wind is gonna be sustained above 30 or severe thunderstorms are predicted I’ll lower them halfway.. The Martins don’t care. I really should just leave them halfway, but they look sooooo cool raised… lol
Phil

Have the bluebirds laid any eggs yet or are they just in the process of nest building? If they have laid eggs you can’t mess with them.. If they haven’t laid any eggs you can plug the housing and the blue birds should move over to your bluebird boxes. Doesn’t take long if they are in nest building m...

I get them alive, then freeze them. When the box comes throw the whole thing in the freezer. If you try to open it you will most likely have crickets everywhere. After a couple days I open it and transfer them to one gallon ziplock freezer bags, then back in the freezer they go… Thaw what you are go...

That is simply INCREDIBLE! Always love hearing when buddy returns! Welcome home old guy!
Wishing you a great season Doug!
Phil

Feeder looks great Rob! So creative! All that matters is that it works and the martins love it my friend. I think your housing looks awesome as well! If I had martins nesting in housing as long as you have I wouldn’t replace it either. It’s what they know and love. Great job keeping it functional al...

That is AMAZING Dave! Great idea to not have anything for the martins to perch on, thus transferring the problem to the outside of the cage. I’m sure your martins thank you for keeping them safe!
Phil

Outstanding news Rob!! Life just got a lot easier for you and your martins!! Love hearing all the success stories! Great job sir!!
Phil

Wow, great pic and beautiful site Tom! Man, you have a bunch already! Yes, agree on the misses! I felt bad when only flipping one or two cause not everyone was getting some for their efforts, so started sending 5 or 6 up at a time… They were flying right over my shoulder…. Was wondering if they woul...

Poor babies look cold! Great job catching them before it was too late! Hope they all make a full recovery and weather improves in your neck of the woods!
Phil