Purple Martin Forum

This is my third successful season, with 41 fledglings (so far). In my area, generally all of my nesting/fledging is done by now (if not before). About the time most of the other's had fledged this season, I had a new nest appear with 4 eggs - they hatched yesterday. I've never had any this late in ...

Yes, outside of the house should be enough. Vanilla has been used for years here on bluebird houses with success. Good luck, it's wet here too....

Saw this on facebook, our local weather station posted it - it has to be the purple martin roost on Lake Ouachita, commonly called Bird Island. NWS produced the image at 6:40am today - they mentioned that it was birds but were unsure of the species. Just thought it was neat, and worthy of sharing. h...

I like to tear the sparrow nest out of the martin house, place a small portion of it in the repeating trap (especially the soft feather section). Works better than any type of food, etc.

Robin vs a Mockingbird might be interesting...

Indeed, it is nice to hear from other Arkie's. Hope your birds survive these last few cold nights. My young, but growing colony was all present and accounted for this morning.

I listed my choice in the subject line. Year or two ago I was asking these same questions and I took that advice. Buy a good pellet rifle, the $200 gamo's I tried from local retailers were not consistent. After you pick up a good rifle, purchase a variety pack of well known pellets - try them all ti...

I bought a nice baffle for my pole last year after my 'snake patrol' showed me a very large rat snake, I had never seen one around before. My snake patrol consists of a couple of dachshunds, who literally shred snakes. They're some of the most vicious snake killers I've ever seen.

pure vanilla extract also works on the gnats - and smells wonderful as well

A problem we have here in the spring is buffalo gnats.

Thanks for the response Tim. MANY times I've driven out hwy 70, and taken the Sunshine road up to 270 - then west to Crystal Springs of course. Always enjoyed that route out thru the country. One of my coworkers grew up out in the Sunshine community.

Tim, just curious where are are located now. I kept a boat at the Crystal Springs marina for a lot of years - as you know that isn't too far from the roost. If you don't want to spell it out publicly, you can PM me.
-Brett

Oh gosh, Chalet Inn is on the same side & block as I recall. We've never had anything bad at Mouse's, but I'd recommend "scrap cookies" on your next visit. Do you ever get up above the tree line to view the flowers? Very dry last winter, not as many flowers this year. Still beautiful u...

Very nice Louise - we were just there on our annual wildflower hunt in July. Here's a picture of Ouray from Chief Ouray mine (from way up above for those unaware of the area). Box canyon would begin in the top center of the picture. http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/bacato/Ouray.jpg OK Louise...

The upshot is that for most of us to the north, Isaac provided some wonderful drought relief. I rec'd just over 5.5" total, and it soaked in - didn't seem to run off at all.

Interesting comments above about the baltimore orioles, I've had the same experience here this year - I even put the orange feeder back out (with orange and grape jelly). Generally I see them in april/may as they are passing through. My hummingbird counts are way down here, this weekend is generally...

I passed through OKC last saturday night just before dark, several blocks south of these areas on I-40. I could not believe how many PM's I saw perched on power lines and such, and I wasn't even looking hard.

I wouldn't think fireworks would be a big issue this year with burn bans in place (looks like Kansas has many county burn bans in place, not exactly sure where you are). In Arkansas, I think all but 3 counties are under burn bans, fireworks included of course.

Thanks for posting the photos, very interesting for sure. Watch your back while performing nest checks - they're typically not too friendly, or scared!

Sorry for your troubles Tiffeny - hot up here too. I was lucky that all of mine fledged last week, before our 100+ temps (had 106 yesterday). We're parched up here, no rain in the forecast. Hang in there!