Purple Martin Forum

I like to do weekly nest checks. I experienced something I hadn’t encountered as a landlord recently. On 5/24 I did a nest check and gourd 4 had 5 hatchlings which I recorded. On 6/1 during a nest check gourd 4 had no hatchlings and a foul odor. Upon further inspection the hatchlings were dead and d...

Hello Laura, I’m no expert so just from experience I have found that the nest will dry out. I pre nest all gourds with pine straw I purchase from Troyers which seems to help moisture drain well from gourds.. I don’t think I would disturb the nest when eggs are present. The only time I do a nest chan...

Thanks Mike. I just finished a nest check with the help of my two granddaughters. Results were 105 eggs and 56 hatchlings from thirty seven gourds and chirpy nest on three different racks. These are my best numbers in three years.

Appreciate the post. The Martins are great to watch in the evening. I sit on my deck and watch them against beautiful sunsets. In my third year I currently have 37 gourds on three different racks. My last nest check counted 88 eggs. I believe I have 100% occupancy. I also have three boxes with tree ...

Your welcome. I am learning also and just passing on what I have been taught by fellow landlords. You can also look on the forum and read what other landlords practice. This forum has been very helpful.

I would not permit any other bird to build nest in your Martin houses. Closing off the houses would stop it. I would identify what kind of birds are building in the Martin houses. House sparrows must be eliminated,tree swallows can be redirected by offering housing away from the colony. House sparro...

Congratulations Dan on your birds showing up, it’s always a good day. I hope you have a joyful and prosperous season.

This morning I observed two martins perched on the gourd that I had put on a 6” pole for tree swallows. A pair of tree swallows had built a nest lined with feathers and had been in the gourd several weeks. I removed the horizontal gourd and made room on my Troyer circular rack. I place a bluebird bo...

Thanks for the update on the progression of your colony. I have 3 Troyer racks with 12 gourds each. Martins starting to nest build here.

I have been watching in the evening as the Martins come into their gourds seeing which house the tree swallows enters. He has preferred the chirpy nest. I mark the box he enters and the next day remove any nesting material and shut up the box. This has worked well as an influx of Martins come I open...

Thank you for your reply’s,they are much appreciated. I purchased two more bluebird boxes and now have 5 boexes and one gourd on a pole to hopefully accommodate the bluebirds and tree swallows. My boxes are spaced approximately 30 ft of one another. It looks like I have added another pair of martins...

I am dealing with more than usual numbers of tree swallows. I have 36 gourds with 18 open. Currently I’m seeing 6 martins active in gourds. The tree swallows a relentless. Any help much appreciated. Thank you.

Lowe, it’s a Stoeger 54000-E break barrel with a 4x32 scope. My sparrow issue isn’t bad,I have a pesky male I need to take out. Bluebirds are claiming boxes. On 3/6 I have a ASY female land and check out some gourds but haven’t seen her since.

Just had my first arrival also. A ASY female. The 2026 Martin season has officially begun. Hoping everyone has a blessed season.

I commend you for your patience JH. It looks like you have been greatly rewarded by a healthy colony. I hope you have a blessed season with much joy. Thank you for your post.

Nice pic, I like your set up. Have a great season and look forward to new pics.

That’s great Tom! I know this made your day. A Valentine to remember. Thank you for all the knowledge and experience you share with this community. I hope the Lord bless you with a productive and joyful season. God bless.

It is a happy day! Thank you for sharing.

I took my first shot this morning at a hosp. Unfortunately I’m starting 0-1 for the season. My traps are set and the battle has begun. I’m thankful to a very kind landlord who gave me some traps. Won’t expect any Martins for a couple weeks but am trying to prepare the way for them. I hope everyone h...

I am located in Farmington Mo,about 60 miles south of St Louis. My colony consist of 3 Troyer racks with 12 gourds each. I have a good location and have been blessed with a healthy colony.