Have had lots of Tree Swallows the last several years flying around my lake and property. They usually show up here the middle of March. Would like to provide some housing for them and would really like any suggestions on type, size, setting up etc.
Thanks
Bill
Recommendations for Tree Swallow Housing Please
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
Tree swallows love gourds of any kind. I always put up some gourds on shepherd's hooks. I get TS every year. I love TS. Beautiful, friendly, fun and beneficial. Use a starling resistant entrance hole just as you would for a purple martin. The same entrance for both is fine.
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
Put the shepherd's hook out in the open well away from trees and shrubs. I put a commerically made predator guard on my shepherd's hooks for a little extra protection. I put a handful of dry pine needles in the gourd just as I do for the purple martins. TS love gourds that have tunnels on them too. They feel safe way back in there. Be sure to drill out the vent holes (on a downward slant) to help keep the gourd cooler.
Be sure not to let the house sparrows take over the gourd. Do not put the TS gourds very close together as they are fiercely territorial.
Be sure not to let the house sparrows take over the gourd. Do not put the TS gourds very close together as they are fiercely territorial.
We host TS every year. They are delightful creatures. Let you get real close to take pictures.
We've built house's that will accommodate TS's so they and the BB's don't fight over the BB houses.
Look at the link below for good reference for housing and overall information. The TS houses (floor) are slightly larger than the BB houses. Broods are larger in general. The only drawback is informing all of which box to use, LOL. We are trying something new this year by plugging the TS boxes until they arrive. That way the BB's haven't "claimed" them and once that happens it's very hard for the TS to chase away the BB's.
I haven't tried using a gourd on a shepard's hook, I think I will do that as well. Great idea!!!!
http://www.sialis.org/
Good luck and let us know how it works out
We've built house's that will accommodate TS's so they and the BB's don't fight over the BB houses.
Look at the link below for good reference for housing and overall information. The TS houses (floor) are slightly larger than the BB houses. Broods are larger in general. The only drawback is informing all of which box to use, LOL. We are trying something new this year by plugging the TS boxes until they arrive. That way the BB's haven't "claimed" them and once that happens it's very hard for the TS to chase away the BB's.
I haven't tried using a gourd on a shepard's hook, I think I will do that as well. Great idea!!!!
http://www.sialis.org/
Good luck and let us know how it works out
Last edited by D'Nese on Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
D'Nese in Tennessee
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
Someplace I read about how to make an entrance SLOT for a TS that HS would not use. Would be worth trying if one has a problem with HS.
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
I followed the protocal and would provide a gourd at my lake site.
I was a day or so late one year putting up the gourd for the tree swallows at the lake as they had just arrived. I drove to the lake with it in the trunk of the car.
When I pulled up to the spot to install the gourd they were waiting for me. Chattering.
I reached in the trunk and got out the gourd. As I pulled it out I talked to them and showed them the gourd.
No kidding.... I was not 5 ft from my car holding the gourd and they were already going in it while in it was still my hands. I could not beleive it. The female was peeking out of the hole as I installed it on the hook. Amazing trust.
True story!!
I was a day or so late one year putting up the gourd for the tree swallows at the lake as they had just arrived. I drove to the lake with it in the trunk of the car.
When I pulled up to the spot to install the gourd they were waiting for me. Chattering.
I reached in the trunk and got out the gourd. As I pulled it out I talked to them and showed them the gourd.
No kidding.... I was not 5 ft from my car holding the gourd and they were already going in it while in it was still my hands. I could not beleive it. The female was peeking out of the hole as I installed it on the hook. Amazing trust.
True story!!
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Doug, mine's not quite that remarkable...what a great experience you had. At my martinless backyard in PA, I had a Trio house up and plugged, and my gourd rack was empty on purpose. Tree Swallows had moved into a nestbox provided for them and were taking in nest material, so I thought it was okay to put gourds on the rack.
I lowered the rack and began to tie on a gourd. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something with a white belly hovering right next to me... yup, one of the Tree Swallows wanted a GOURD, not a nestbox - they were in that gourd and out of the box in nothing flat. So I moved one gourd to a hook nearby and they were happy with that, and left the martin gourds alone
.
I lowered the rack and began to tie on a gourd. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something with a white belly hovering right next to me... yup, one of the Tree Swallows wanted a GOURD, not a nestbox - they were in that gourd and out of the box in nothing flat. So I moved one gourd to a hook nearby and they were happy with that, and left the martin gourds alone
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Louise,... been there too.
They love gourds. Especially those with SREH. They are not dumb in that respect. They will pick a gourd over box any day of the week.
They love gourds. Especially those with SREH. They are not dumb in that respect. They will pick a gourd over box any day of the week.
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
I'm using the bluebird style housing with sparrow-resistant slots recommended by Bernie Nikolai.
See this thread - photos included - click & scroll down.
http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic ... highlight=
See this thread - photos included - click & scroll down.
http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic ... highlight=
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
WOW, I wasn't aware the loved gourds that way. Seems to me I will be putting up some for my guys. I love it when someone else posts a question on the forum and others learn from it. 
D'Nese in Tennessee
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
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MidTNJerry
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:14 am
- Location: Tennessee/Murfreesboro
OK, now I want tree swallows.
When you say you're using a shepherd's hook with gourds, how high off of the ground are you hanging these? I want to set one up.
I found a related article and bumped it to the top of the forum list...
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3141
When you say you're using a shepherd's hook with gourds, how high off of the ground are you hanging these? I want to set one up.
I found a related article and bumped it to the top of the forum list...
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3141
2013 -
2012 - Dawnsong CD playing every morning. Many, many visitors.
2011 - Many visitors.
2012 - Dawnsong CD playing every morning. Many, many visitors.
2011 - Many visitors.
I have got to stop reading this forum thing! 
It is so additive, but you guys are working me to death. I have other things around home that need fixing but I keep putting them off to do yet another upgrade on my gourds or houses.
If this keeps up I am going to hold you guys responsible for my attorney fees when my wife says enough is enough.
My site does not even resemble the one I had 2 years ago....
Seriously folks, I believe this site has saved and will continue to save many many more lives of our martin family in years to come which is a wonderful thing.
And now, I too want me some of these TS's.
Keep up the good work and let the knowledge keep on flowing.
Thanks,
James
It is so additive, but you guys are working me to death. I have other things around home that need fixing but I keep putting them off to do yet another upgrade on my gourds or houses.
If this keeps up I am going to hold you guys responsible for my attorney fees when my wife says enough is enough.
My site does not even resemble the one I had 2 years ago....
Seriously folks, I believe this site has saved and will continue to save many many more lives of our martin family in years to come which is a wonderful thing.
And now, I too want me some of these TS's.
Keep up the good work and let the knowledge keep on flowing.
Thanks,
James
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scottfreidhof
- Posts: 348
- Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 7:13 am
- Location: Kentucky/Morehead
Any bluebird-sized nest box will work for tree swallows. Tree swallows prefer lots of feathers for lining their nests. My little girls love to hold feathers in the wind and release them to drift. The swallows often catch the feathers before they hit the ground. Body feathers from ducks, geese, and turkeys are about the right size.
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
Oh by the way I really did teach my Tree Swallows not to attack Martins.
They listen pretty good when you really lay down the law.
They also fed on flipped crickets & scrambled eggs during cold weather..
Now to get them to bring the mail from the mailbox.
They listen pretty good when you really lay down the law.
They also fed on flipped crickets & scrambled eggs during cold weather..Now to get them to bring the mail from the mailbox.
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
Ok, speaking of feathers, this little girl struggled for a whole afternoon to try to get this huge feather into her nest. She finally got it stuck into the hole, then left to feed (she was probably exhausted). The different pictures below only capture a few of her different attempts. She would drop it, then retrieve & try again. It was hilarious. After she stuck it in the hole & left, I went out & put it into her nest for her. She had worked so hard, that I figured she deserved that feather in HER nest!
Pics below:
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... prize3.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... eather.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... ather2.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... rprize.jpg
Pics below:
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... prize3.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... eather.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... ather2.jpg
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc33 ... rprize.jpg
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
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MidTNJerry
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:14 am
- Location: Tennessee/Murfreesboro
You guys are going to turn my yard into a full-"fledged" bird sanctuary. Maybe these sites might help our discussion. Remember...use a 7/8 inch tall by 2 1/2 inch wide hole (from the other post) to keep sparrows out.
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/Experie ... fault.aspx
http://www.greenspanworld.org/pictures/ ... houses.jpg
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/Experie ... fault.aspx
http://www.greenspanworld.org/pictures/ ... houses.jpg
2013 -
2012 - Dawnsong CD playing every morning. Many, many visitors.
2011 - Many visitors.
2012 - Dawnsong CD playing every morning. Many, many visitors.
2011 - Many visitors.
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3788
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
For those of you who don't have martins and who want tree swallows too your life will be a lot better if you can get the martins first. I along with many others had battled TS for years while trying to start a PM colony. The TS are territorial and can make attracting PM's very tough. They are definitely awesome birds but if I did not have them nesting on my property I would not try to attract them before I established some PM's, just my opinion.
2026 HOSP 26
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
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Don~VA
- Posts: 391
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:01 am
- Location: Virginia/King George
- Martin Colony History: Had a colony many years ago which dwindled over a couple of years and then did not return. Kept trying each year for almost 20 years and finally had a small success in 2011 with two pairs nesting. Colony has grown slowly each year with 22 pairs in 2015. In 2016 my gourd rack of 18 gourds filled up so I added 4 more gourds and then put up a small rack of 6 gourds. All of those were claimed within a few days so I believe I have at least 25 pairs this year.
Bill,
I too love Tree Swallows right along with martins and Blue Birds. I had about six BB boxes around my yard and garden and there was always at least one box taken by TS's. A couple of years ago I had so many BB's that I built 2 TS boxes just for them and they were immediately claimed. Like Doug I had TS buzzing my head last year while I was trying to get their box cleaned out. When finished I stepped back maybe ten feet and both birds landed on the box and started inspecting the interior. You won't be sorry if you can attract a pair to your yard. Good Luck!
Carlton,
Thanks for the gourd tip. I never tried that but I sure will this year. Got the perfect size gourd too.
I too love Tree Swallows right along with martins and Blue Birds. I had about six BB boxes around my yard and garden and there was always at least one box taken by TS's. A couple of years ago I had so many BB's that I built 2 TS boxes just for them and they were immediately claimed. Like Doug I had TS buzzing my head last year while I was trying to get their box cleaned out. When finished I stepped back maybe ten feet and both birds landed on the box and started inspecting the interior. You won't be sorry if you can attract a pair to your yard. Good Luck!
Carlton,
Thanks for the gourd tip. I never tried that but I sure will this year. Got the perfect size gourd too.
Don~Northern Neck of Virginia-PMCA Member
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Doug Martin - PA
- Posts: 1988
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:47 am
- Location: Pennsylvania/Fombell
- Martin Colony History: First pair in 2009 after 28 years of trying. 3 pairs 2010, 17 pairs 2011 and 35-45 pairs since. Many additional colonies are now springing up around mine in an area once completely void of Martins. I offer 50 compartments at my site consisting of primarily Excluder II gourds on Gemini racks. Also a wooden T-14. I utilize electric fence type predator guards on the base of the poles. Supplemental feeding is crucial in maintaining my colony. I platform feed throughout the season as needed. My site tends to be a stop over point for additional birds as they migrate further north.
I agree with Fly-in Lowe (great point) don't get too excited about TS if you are trying for Martins they are a royal P.I.B. at times. They can be very territorial against their species and Martins.
Supplemental feeding plays a major role in Western Pennsylvania. Finally got my 1st pair in 2009 after 28 years of effort. The colony has grown quickly to 45 pairs that I care for. Many new colonies have now sprung up around me in the past few years as well. Where there was none.... there is many.
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LarryMelcher/KY
- Posts: 675
- Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2005 12:08 pm
- Location: Kentucky/Shepherdsville
Bill,
You don't live too far away from me. Do you know where Bernheim Forest is just south of Louisville? It's about 1 mile east of I-65. This weekend I am teaching a class for Boy Scouts working on their Bird Study Merit Badge. I could show you my Tree Swallow housing. Anyway, some of the neatest things I've learned has been by looking at photos here or, better yet, talked to someone nearby and see what is working in their backyard.
I accidentally got into Bluebirds and Tree Swallows by trying to lure them away from my martin housing. I now enjoy all 3 species together. I like to hang a gourd on a shepherds hook. I use 1-1/4 inch round entrance holes for Tree Swallows and 1-1/2 inch for Bluebirds.
Good Luck attracting Tree Swallows. You can walk very close to them perched on their shepherds hook gourd before they fly away. Sometimes I can walk slowly up to them.... about 8 or 10 feet away. They seem very tame.
You don't live too far away from me. Do you know where Bernheim Forest is just south of Louisville? It's about 1 mile east of I-65. This weekend I am teaching a class for Boy Scouts working on their Bird Study Merit Badge. I could show you my Tree Swallow housing. Anyway, some of the neatest things I've learned has been by looking at photos here or, better yet, talked to someone nearby and see what is working in their backyard.
I accidentally got into Bluebirds and Tree Swallows by trying to lure them away from my martin housing. I now enjoy all 3 species together. I like to hang a gourd on a shepherds hook. I use 1-1/4 inch round entrance holes for Tree Swallows and 1-1/2 inch for Bluebirds.
Good Luck attracting Tree Swallows. You can walk very close to them perched on their shepherds hook gourd before they fly away. Sometimes I can walk slowly up to them.... about 8 or 10 feet away. They seem very tame.
I manage 2 public sites, and one at home, for a total of 172 cavities. Board Member / Non Profit PMCA.
Find videos that I edit for the PMCA Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/PurpleMartinPMCA
Find videos that I edit for the PMCA Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/PurpleMartinPMCA