Purple Martin Forum

David,
Yea that's a speaker, I used it to get things started. I used it the first two years but not this year. I left it up because I had that thought I may need it. I ended up waiting it out and of course my worries were for nothing and the martins did fine without me. haha

Tony, If you are you referring to to they grey houses those are chalets and yes they use them. It's actually what started my colony. Can't say if they like those over the gourds but they are used. For other species I just fight starlings and sparrows for the first part of the year. I'm pretty much d...

Here is an attempt to post my colony again for you guys to look at. Hope you enjoy!! Last I counted which was a few days ago I was up to 34 total. This year is just really getting started up here in washington and so far its been great. My first subbie just arrived today and started havoc already (i...

I would go with Gregs advice that should work make sure you have some nest material with the single egg so it don't break while you wait to see what happens.

CB
What a way to start!!! It feels good to start with that many, I was there three years ago. You don't have to worry as much for next season wondering if that "1 pair" will survive the journey (migration). Enjoy the rest of the season.

Kathy
Took a while to get back with ya but about those gourds...
Do you see any preference by chance to them our your other gourds ( Troyer vertical horizontal supergourds etc.) or whatever you may have. Thanks for your time

Ed Well there are still houses on the pilings. Which is common out here in the northwest. My colony that I started three years ago is much like the colonies east of the Rockies. Using commercial gourd rack, manufactured Gourds, and cedar chalets. I do have a T-14 but this will be the first year I wi...

Well if I read it right it says, They need to be away from commotion which I proved this wrong by starting a colony about 150 ft away from a railway. The colony is in my yard next to my house on a city lot, the train goes by about 20 times a day and there's a crossing about 200 yards from my house. ...

I also love that rack. Your weather looked wet and windy though.
Do you have much experience with those Troyer gourds?

Well this is my third year at it and what a great way to start my season. My first arrival came on Saturday with a female. What a surprise, but to make it even better two more ASY males followed that same day. Tally was up to 3 males 1 female first day back. Then today (Sunday) I had another male an...

Looks really nice there.

Matt: I just noticed in California there was a report not sure on the bug supply there. Here in Washington there isn't much right now, we just had a snow covering this morning so they don't need to be here yet. In past history they start showing up around the second week in April which I can't wait ...

Just noticed on the migration report the martins are in California finally. I'm ready and waiting for there arrival. Thanks for posting your observation Dan A. Good luck to all the west coast colonies this year!

Thank you guys for your questions and opinions. Glynn B: I will have to work on getting you some pics, my format on the pics I have needs to be changed. ~Ray~04: I do use red cedar, but not only for weight but how long it will last as raw wood. plus out here its not priced bad at a small hometown bu...

Here's my design of the chalets I have built. The martins love them and they are easy to use and clean up. If you have any questions just ask, I'll do my best to answer. Note: I forgot to mention in the drawings that I use 1/2" CPVC to hang them. I use Gourd Mounting Arms (GMA'S) but you could ...

It's post like these that get me excited for the year to come. Thanks for your post. Around a month + before they arrive here and can't wait.

Steve All your post are very informational and help alot of people out I'm sure. I especially like this due to the type and orientation of the gourd. Never could it be proven but I had tried for Martins for three years and had visitors each year but no takers till I had put these up. That's when I g...

To whom may be interested about martins and their success out west, Well to start this off my season went very well and I had great success. This was my second year as a landlord and I couldn't be much happier. I increased this year to 10 nesting pair up from 3 nesting pair from last year. Both year...

Have you ever seen a bug on a windshield. Maybe she mis-judged the target!!!

Well every thing was going great until now. I had a total of 4 ASY males but know I only have 3. I haven't seen the 4th one for about a day and a half. Unfortunately he had a mate and four eggs. I guess there is a chance he might still be here but I have my doubts. By banding I could tell you he was...