Purple Martin Forum

The last few days, I have had four Martins spending the night in only one of my two racks. My racks that have twelve gourds each, were equally occupied last year, nearly full. I realize that most people place their gourd racks close to each other, But, after I finally had success establishing a smal...

I use a 5 ounce Dixie Cup. It has ridges on it that firmly seat when you push them in. Sometimes if I don't want to lower the rack to remove them, I will use my telescoping pruner I have and pull them right out. Never had a problem with them coming out even in pretty high winds.

I haven't been on the forum much this year, but, I would like to mention that I was surprised that after the 15 pair that I had this year, had left, and I thought it was over for the year, then I checked my gourds, and it appears that a SYF laid four eggs in one of only two Troyer Horizontal Gourds ...

This is only my fifth year of hosting martins, but out of the twenty four gourds I have, Most are SuperGourds, and I like them alot but, I only have two Troyer Horizontals (w/cling plates), and they are always the first to get occupied. Wish I had more!

I always thought it would be great to see the scout report maps, from any given day, from the previous year. I am sure that would not be possible though.

Sorry. I meant BITE

Chiggers. That's what we call them in Carolina. They itch really bad if they bight you.

Hey, Scott, that's a great idea, I think I'll try that on a few of mine, thanks for posting it! Billy

Thanks NJ, Linda, I did have two pair of martins to nest last year, and one pair the year before. I had several that stayed around for a long time. I guess you cant really call that an established colony yet. I think I will try the 7/8" X 2-1/4" slotted hole on a Supergourd that I have han...

Just curious, I am located near Aiken SC. I have seen Tree Swallows at my place and was hoping to attract some. Is it possible? Will they breed this far south? The maps I have seen show their breeding range further north.
Thanks

Hey MB12RING, What kind of welding machine do you have? I am thinking about buying a Miller Syncrowave 200. I considered getting a spool gun for my MIG welder, but would much rather TIG aluminum with AC high freq.

BILLY

First the lesson learned. I posted this picture last year, (I think this is the same one) and someone commented on how the pine straw looked, like I ran it through a grinder to make it softer. I was getting the straw from the edge of my driveway where it had been run over by our vehicles. Some of yo...

haeffnkr, I saw an article recently about a school somewhere that had a severe goose problem (poop) on the playgrounds. They experimented with a silhouette of a coyote with a black plastic bag(I think) in its mouth to simulate it eating a goose. They said it it worked great! Just a thought.

Billy

Keep the Faith! it will happen!

Billy

My first pair was last year, after seven years of trying. The male returned this past weekend. (Only saw him in the mornings). I haven't seen him since Sunday but got off work early, hit the daytime chatter, and in no time there he was! I think he is here to stay! Hope everyone has a good year.

Billy

congratulations! I know the feeling. I hope to have 37 pair someday. You'll bee there again before you know it.

Billy

Nice Pics! I like the Matador!

Billy

That is all I have seen the last 3 or 4 weeks. Aiken SC must be a geographical oddity. Martins have made it half way to Canada, and still no reports in Aiken. I'm still waiting to see the first Tree Swallow too! I had my first mating pair of Martins last year, (3 fledged), and several visitors, so I...

Very Pretty, She looks nice and healthy. You would never know she just flew so far!

Billy

That was my biggest concern, that it might be a Wren. I have read that they can cause problems. I don't know if the Carolina Wren falls into this category, but I am confidant now this is some type of Nuthatch. Anyway, I let them go and maybe they will return to the house. it seems that people in SC ...