I see photos of so many landlords that have both. 
Thanks Glynn
Opinions Please
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Glynn B - LA
- Posts: 320
- Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2012 3:59 pm
- Location: Louisiana West Monroe
Hello again to everyone. Just wanted to say I really enjoy and welcome any help. Your comments are what makes this forum so educational. With me being a beginner, I really depend on you. I have a question. I have the two deluxe gourd racks without an actual martin house. Do I need to purchase a house to better my chances for attracting martins I see photos of so many landlords that have both.
Thanks Glynn
I see photos of so many landlords that have both. Thanks Glynn
2019 26 pair 116 fledged
2018 20 pair 76 fledged
2017 19 pair 82 fledged
2016 13 pair 48 fledged
2015 3 pair 13 fledged
2014 1 pair 4 fledged
2013 2 pair 6 fledged
2012 0 pair
2011 0 pair
I don’t have the perfect site. One open flyway with trees within 80 ft. I do have a small pond they utilize during the heat of Summer. (2017) HEAVY HAWK PREDATION
2018 20 pair 76 fledged
2017 19 pair 82 fledged
2016 13 pair 48 fledged
2015 3 pair 13 fledged
2014 1 pair 4 fledged
2013 2 pair 6 fledged
2012 0 pair
2011 0 pair
I don’t have the perfect site. One open flyway with trees within 80 ft. I do have a small pond they utilize during the heat of Summer. (2017) HEAVY HAWK PREDATION
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Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
The location is the most important aspect, stay away from the trees. In my opinion, the type of housing has little or no effect. If they like your location, they will use whatever you put up for them...have fun!
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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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.
Glynn,
It would not hurt, and may help you attract them sooner, to see what type of housing is being offered in your close proximity and what is being used at nearby active sites. If there is a particular type that is overflowing... try it.
Generally in your location gourds are welcomed housing and a cluster of them are easier to spot from the air than a single house. So personally I like your initial choice. Gourds have been the prefered housing at my particular site in starting a colony. But where you live it could be different.
I think you will be good with two racks, and as mentioned in prior posts, the location is the key.
Good luck!
Doug
It would not hurt, and may help you attract them sooner, to see what type of housing is being offered in your close proximity and what is being used at nearby active sites. If there is a particular type that is overflowing... try it.
Generally in your location gourds are welcomed housing and a cluster of them are easier to spot from the air than a single house. So personally I like your initial choice. Gourds have been the prefered housing at my particular site in starting a colony. But where you live it could be different.
I think you will be good with two racks, and as mentioned in prior posts, the location is the key.
Good luck!
Doug
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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John Miller
- Posts: 4867
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
Good luck this season.
If you had just a house, I'd say to add a couple of gourds for variety. But I doubt your chances will be improved by adding a house to two fine gourd racks, which as mentioned, are pretty large structures and surely will get a martin's attention by themselves, as well as if you added a house to the setup. Now...these are opinions. I don't know of any study verifying what type of housing or even if a mix does a better job. As Emil said, location probably tops everything, and patience.
John M
If you had just a house, I'd say to add a couple of gourds for variety. But I doubt your chances will be improved by adding a house to two fine gourd racks, which as mentioned, are pretty large structures and surely will get a martin's attention by themselves, as well as if you added a house to the setup. Now...these are opinions. I don't know of any study verifying what type of housing or even if a mix does a better job. As Emil said, location probably tops everything, and patience.
John M
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Patrick W. Dusek
- Posts: 167
- Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2003 9:35 pm
- Location: Sugar Land, Texas
Open area they love, the gourd racks should be fine. My gourds fill up first. Patrick
Spring time yet???