Purple Martin Forum

I have a 16 cavity box on a 3 inch square aluminum pole with a winch. I have a separate box on another pole with BBs currently with eggs. I also have another BB nest box that I could use for the trap, but have never had HOSPS try to use it. Did you modify the hole on your cavity trap? As far as shoo...

As mentioned in another thread, I cut a circular hole out of a piece of plastic (1 and 3/8 inch diameter). Taped it over the hole where they were building a nest and put sticky paper inside. They wouldn't go in it. 2 days later, I removed the circular entrance, but removed the sticky paper bc I didn...

This time of year nest box traps work best for me. Baited traps are very hit and miss. I have set them and not caught anything for 3-4 weeks, then Ill catch 3 or 4 in a day. Once you trap the first one, it will help draw others in. I've never looked but I bet you can find sounds of a HOSP on youtub...

Hey Thomas, Are they hopping around the trap at least? If so its just a matter of time. You know this year i didnt add any seeds to the bait trey. I put in a mirror just behind it against the wood. Two marched right in. Its frustrating, especially when they look and go. I don't know of any fake spa...

I don't have a lot of HOSPS, but 1 is too many in my opinion. I have been unsecussful in trapping so far. I've added seed, corn, nesting materials n and even white feathers. I've moved the trap around to multiple places. Nothing. I would like to add a decoy possibly. Anyone find any? Success? Thanks

I like and feed birds also, but not HOSPS or Starlings. They have to go. I opened up the rest of my cavities to give a few more options for possible incoming PMs. We'll see...

Brent. Wow! Are you getting SYs from local colonies or those that just happen to pass through? I currently have 1 pair and maybe 2-3 others that are hanging out. Still playing the Dawn Song.

Thanks Rob. I'll definitely leave a few open.

Anyone use the spray version of 7? It claims that it last up.to 3 months if it doesn't get washed off.

What is the usual/average time when new arrivals/SYs quit arriving? Just curious as to when to quit opening new cavities.

Great news! They seem to be active almost year round here in SW Louisiana.

anywhere from 75 to 120 yards from one another but none of the solo's are in view of each other. I have 4 set up in a row of about 70 yards but they are for both the TS and BB and only 2 of the 4 have been occupied during the season and these 4 are all within view and in strait line of my Martin ra...

Blue Birds are such a joy to watch. I put up additional boxes this year as I've counted 3 pair this year while i wait on the Martins. They are the prelude to the Martins arrivals along with the tree swallows in these parts. Good luck in inviting all of these wonderful species into your back yard as...

I found another HOSP nest(saw them coming and going). I made the 1 and 3/8 inch hole out of a piece of plastic and attached it over the entrance. Now those little devils won't enter. I guess I should remove the "hole" and wait until eggs are laid? They sure are smart.

I agree! Fun to track. Hopefully, some of these stay here!

Kegger wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:34 am

SW Florida Thomas

Awesome!

I will comment on the one topic of your question I have any experience with. I would place the decoy at your housing to attract Martins to your new housing. After you have attracted Martins, their activity and singing will draw attention way more than a decoy. If the decoy is near the housing and y...

Awesome! Which state are you located?

What a great story! Thanks for sharing. Hopefully, Buddy is in route as well!

That is such an awesome feeling! Congratulations!