Approaching my neighbors

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Connie
Posts: 441
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.

I am a third year landlord and hoping for a full house this year.
I need some advice please. I live in a 3 street neighborhood where everyone has at least 2 acres. The reason I point that out is I believe that is why it took me so long to discover the many landlords located throughout. But, the problem is, from what I can see and determine, these are landlords that just bought housing, threw it on a pole, and never looked back to see what type of residents moved in. The first year I had to walk across the street to my nephews house and ask him to take his housing down because it was completely filled with sparrows. I would have taken the time to educate him but he works out of state and out of country almost all of the time. He was happy to remove his housing, and even gave me the poles he had.
But how do I approach my neighbors I don't really know, that have lived here for years and years not knowing or even caring about the sparrow breeding grounds in their backyards? Has anybody had to do this in their neighborhood? I know it is education, education, education but I am a tad shy and just don't know what opening to use and what all to say. There are at least 6 houses I can see from my yard (with my binoculars ) with nothing but round hole openings. Not looking for word by word help but maybe just a few friendly opening lines I can use. Dang it's tuff being shy! :oops:
Connie
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apundt-TX
Posts: 986
Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2004 7:34 pm
Location: Pflugerville, Texas
Martin Colony History: :
2022-1 pair
1 pair 2021
2020- Didn't get setup fast enough in Pflugerville
2019- Apartment
2018 Divorce lost Colony in Dripping Springs
19 pair 2017
17 pair 2015
12 pair 2014
8 pair 2013
5 pair 2012
2 pair 2011

print this out and put it on their mailbox,
http://www.purplemartin.org/main/projdemo.html
PMCA member
racks:CUE AAA-16, PMCA Multipurpose pole , S&K EZ-Lift, Lonestar/Songbird Essentials, CUE 12 gourd rack
gourds: S&K gourds, Supergourds, Troyer horizontals, Naturalines, few naturals
housing: S&K great 8, TRIO M12K, Coates/BirdsChoice 8 room wateresdge
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~Ray~Gingerich
Posts: 2122
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:24 pm
Location: Delaware/Dover

Maybe print up some offical looking survey sheets, type of housing, available nests, entry styles, nesting pairs and bird ID etc, etc. then go around to these places and tell them you are doing a survey. Say something good about their housing first, if they open up to the survey I'm sure you could slip in some advice somewhere. Maybe tell them how you were successful, bring along a few pictures or samples of martin products, introduce them to the PMCA by showing an update or catalog.
~Ray~ Gingerich
1999 1pair, 2006 2 pair, 2008 2 pair,
2009 23 pair, 2010 39 pair, 2011 67 pair,
2012 115 pair, 2013 160 pair,
2014 152 pair, 2015 174 pair, 2016 178 pair
2017 187 pair, 2018 200 pair, 2019 171pair
2020 233 pair
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Waydog
Posts: 188
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:08 pm
Location: Alexandria, La.

I see it ALL over my town...unmanaged housing.. id have to agree with the printout and drop it off in mailbox
2012 -first year landlord.... 2 pair, 9 fledged.... 2013- 5 pair 20 fledged..
2014- 8 pair 32 fledged
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

How about you invite them over for a bbq during purple martin season? When they see your success they will have lots of questions for you. You'll have plenty of opportunities to talk about housing. The worst thing that happens is they say no. You might even make a few new friends.

Allan
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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Connie
Posts: 441
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.

Y'all,
Those are great suggestions!!! I think I will try the mailbox thing...May even be brave enough to put my number on it and tell them to call if they have questions. Once I talk to them I will be fine. Nobody believes me when I say I am shy because once I know you I will talk talk talk....it's just that first face to face meet..... :)
Thank you all bunches!
Connie
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flyin-lowe
Posts: 3792
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
Location: Indiana/Henry Co.

If you feel the printout is not the way to approach it you could type something up telling them that you noticed the purple martin housing and they you have one yourself. Tell them you have some "tricks and tips" to help them get martins. If you don't feal comfortable just knocking on the door and talking to them you could give them a print out with your name and number on it. Invite them to come by your house and you can talk with them about it.
2026 HOSP 29
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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barry resvick
Posts: 185
Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:07 pm
Location: Alberta/Didsbury
Martin Colony History: 2010 we had just one sy male all summer
2011 we had the same male come back but eventually brought home a female and had five eggs but were infertile
2012 we had our first two chicks but lost them
2013 we fledged six and had two pair
2014 we fledged 13 from four pairs
2015 we fledged 24 from 6 pairs

I agree with Archer.
We have friends over for barbecues all the time but last year was the first time we had nesters.Weve always had lots of visitors though.Just about every neighbor that comes over is completely smitten by the birds and if your neighbors already have the housing and all that needed is a little tweaking,then i think you and your neighbors will have alot in common after they are invited to your back yard,especially if you show them a nest check.I think all the other suggestions are also very good ideas.
2010______2 visitors
2011______1asy male 3 visitors
2012______1 pair,possibly2(5 infertile eggs)
2013______2 pair,5infertile eggs,4hatched,0 fledged
2014______3 pair,Fledged 13
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Connie
Posts: 441
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.

I think I will make a copy of the print out AND try to get them to come by for a visit and see the birds. If I can get them to visit, seeing all my PM's might get them excited and want to do what it takes to get their own as was suggested.
Again, thanks so much all of you, you've given me the push I needed!
I will let y'all know how it goes. Mine were here on Valentines day last year so hopefully I don't have too much longer to wait!
Good luck this year everyone and thanks again for the help.
Connie :) :)
Connie
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Tommie D
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:10 pm
Location: Kansas/Wichita

As Ray suggested, a copy of the 2013 Martin Market Place is a excellent idea as it is packed with lot's of useful information along with excellent products.
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DornCounty
Posts: 2169
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
Location: Rural SE Kansas
Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi

the printout in my opinion is a little harsh and could easily offend your neighbors so keep that in mind. I would try some get togethers and drop ins before resorting to that. Most people are just ignorant.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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flyin-lowe
Posts: 3792
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
Location: Indiana/Henry Co.

Another option could hold two benefits. Ask them if they are willing to sell the housing. Sometimes people buy housing, stick it up near trees and never touch it again. You might be able to get some nice used housing very cheap and give the sparrows one less place to nest all at the same time. I can't tell you how many Trio systems I see around here that have been nothing but sparrow magnets for years.
2026 HOSP 29
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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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 do this all the time....takes some time & effort on your part. I wrote something about this last year... I'll try to find it and share it here.

On my first encounter with a neighbor who has a martin house, I introduce myself and say something like this:

"Hi, I'm Kathy and I saw your martin house. I wanted to stop by and say "Hi", because I'm a purple martin enthusiast and I wanted to find out how many pair you had last year?" (you know what the response will be if their house if full of HOSP or starlings). :P

Then, let them lament about their problems with them, and say, "Would you like some help with getting rid of them?"...and then educate them about the impact of the HOSP / EUST on our native birds and offer to bring them some literature.

Yes, I agree the letter is too harsh. My approach seems to be really working.
Last edited by KathyF on Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"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
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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.

Here are some suggestions:

http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic ... ghbor+trap
"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
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Matt F.
Posts: 3978
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:48 am
Location: Houston, TX

KathyF wrote:I do this all the time....takes some time & effort on your part. I wrote something about this last year... I'll try to find it and share it here.

On my first encounter with a neighbor who has a martin house, I introduce myself and say something like this:

"Hi, I'm Kathy and I saw your martin house. I wanted to stop by and say "Hi", because I'm a purple martin enthusiast and I wanted to find out how many pair you had last year?" (you know what the response will be if their house if full of HOSP or starlings). :P

Then, let them lament about their problems with them, and say, "Would you like some help with getting rid of them?"...and then educate them about the impact of the HOSP / EUST on our native birds and offer to bring them some literature.

Yes, I agree the letter is too harsh. My approach seems to be really working.
I really like your approach Kathy.
That method seems much more likely to give the person(s) a warm, positive intro to Purple Martins, and plant the seed that eventually grows into them becoming great, Martin landlords, or, very well educated and great potential landlords - both of which are treasures in short supply.
Image
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JL Murray

I like Kathys (more honey less vinegar) approach the best as well, As I believe it would be more likely to get a positive response...... Especially if they are an old grouch like myself!
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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.

It is an approach that definitely takes up more of your time. But, it is worth it. When I first moved here, I killed 35 HOSP my first year. Now, I kill somewhere between 3 to 10 each year. This year, I'll have more, because one of my young neighbor's with horses built a big nice barn and has let a family or two of them breed. I saw 6 land on my bluebird house this weekend. :(

It's also a $$ investment. I have multiple traps that I loan out. I have 6 Van Ert traps and 2 repeating bait traps and 1 starling repeating nest box trap. They all have been put into use around this area. It took about 2 or 3 years, but now the neighbors are all self sufficient...we got the numbers down to a more manageable level. All of them have seen an increase in their martins. One site even doubled their numbers. Not only do your neighbors benefit, but so do you. ;)
"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
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DornCounty
Posts: 2169
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
Location: Rural SE Kansas
Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi

nice work kathy I love this approach.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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John Miller
Posts: 4867
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

Connie,

If you approach neighbors and urge them to trap sparrows -- know that you have a responsibility to ascertain their knowledge of native sparrows, or teach them. I'm constantly surprised at how many people are uncertain on this. I don't officially mentor, but I informally answer questions of potential landlords around the region, and last season learned of migrating white throated sparrows being trapped and killed for good measure, by an over zealous landlord. My heart sank.

So I suggest people control "house" sparrows because they will otherwise reduce the breeding success of the martins, but I always say "please please" if you are uncertain on the ID, release, and check traps every day.

John Miller
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Connie
Posts: 441
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.

DornCounty,
You are right, the printout does get harsh in places. To be honest, I opened it but just sort of glanced at the first paragraph or so. I would have to use the letter as a guide and just write something similar to it.
Kathy,
I love your opening. What a gracious way to get the conversation going.
Your tips are great!
Flyin-lowe,
That's a great idea too, offering to buy their housing. I am trying to get my sister and my son-in-law set up this year and they could certainly use the housing.
John,
You are right, I would be sick if I found out later someone was trapping and killing the wrong birds.
AND you JL.....LOL, you are just the person I am afraid to run into! That is exactly why I wanted to use the sneaky approach and drop a letter in their mail boxes. But, I thought to myself, someone as friendly as you are on the forum can't really be too much of a grouch through and through. So if I run into a mean grouch I am going to go straight back to you for advice on how to handle the old goat!!!! :P

And to anyone I missed, thanks so much for the advice. I have read it all and am "braving up" to hit the neighborhood. I think I may bring my 5 year old grandson with me, he is so cute nobody can resist his charm, :) He has been a birdwatcher since he was big enough to hang with his mawmaw and knows many birds by sound alone :) plus he is quite the talker.
Thanks ya'll. Apreciate it very much!
Connie
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