question on predator guards

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orbit1
Posts: 51
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 8:18 pm
Location: Ohio/Columbia Station
Martin Colony History: I have had housing up at my residence since 2000. I added some additional housing and gourds in 2007, and I have been getting purple Martins in my houses and gourds ever since that time.

This is my first year in 12 years of waiting that I have purple martins nesting. I have two nests with eggs and one nest with babies. I have seen a sharp shinned hawk occationally, and I'm wondering if I should put the hawk guards on the gourds. I am worried that if I out them on that this will cause a problem. Can any experienced landlord help me out here? I do notice that when the hawk is around, the PM's go after him. I just want to make sure I do the right thing, so that I have them next year.
Dave Kunath
Columbia Station, Ohio
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Louise Chambers
Site Admin
Posts: 6208
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
Location: Corpus Christi, TX

If you don't have pole guards, add those pronto - you don't want to lose your birds to a raccoon or snake. Hawk/owl guards are a good idea, owls are everywhere - but I'd do pole guards first if you don't have them on already.
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orbit1
Posts: 51
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 8:18 pm
Location: Ohio/Columbia Station
Martin Colony History: I have had housing up at my residence since 2000. I added some additional housing and gourds in 2007, and I have been getting purple Martins in my houses and gourds ever since that time.

I have the pole guards on. I am just wondering about the hawk guards, and if it makes sense to put them on now.

thanks for your input
Dave Kunath
Columbia Station, Ohio
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